Chapter 58: The Ten Iron Guards

Outside, the sky was still shrouded in a faint darkness. Chen Erpao stood before the mirror, gazing at his own reflection. He had originally planned that after leaving the army, he would live a peaceful, stable life, free from bloodshed. Yet fate had its own designs; perhaps he was destined to be a man whose blood ran hot—a man who would forge glory with his passion.

He glanced at Wang Xuemei, still sound asleep, and carefully opened the door, slipping out without a sound.

When he arrived at the Iron Guard training ground, it was not yet half past six, but already the air echoed with the spirited cries of training.

“Faster! Did you hear me? Don’t run like a woman!” The top ten Iron Guards were in the midst of a fully equipped cross-country run, each carrying a pack weighing at least twenty pounds. Wang Xing was at the rear, urging them on with repeated shouts.

“Ah Xing, Liu Huagang’s injury has healed. He’ll be joining us today. Once we keep him here, our strength will increase tremendously.” Chen Erpao approached with a calm smile.

“Really? That’s great news!” Wang Xing’s face lit up with delight.

“Huangmao, go supervise them. Xing and I have something to discuss.” Chen Erpao directed Huangmao, then pulled Wang Xing aside.

Wang Xing looked at him in confusion. “What is it?”

Chen Erpao took a deep drag on his cigarette, his face grave. “We need to seize territory, expand our influence, and recruit more men.”

“Oh, I’ve thought about that too. After all, with just our few people, we can’t compare to those big gangs. Even after training the top ten Iron Guards, there are still only ten of them.” Wang Xing nodded, clearly in agreement.

“So what’s your plan?” he asked.

Chen Erpao smiled. “The central areas of Tuen Mun are basically controlled by Hongxing and other powers. We can’t compete with them now, but we can develop in the small surrounding areas. Some places have just a few streets and hardly any venues—those big organizations aren’t interested, but we can start there. Didn’t Hongxing itself rise from the countryside? Once we control those overlooked little areas and absorb their people, our strength will grow rapidly. Besides, no matter how much we train the Iron Guards, it’s just training—without real combat, they’ll never become true iron-blooded warriors. When the time comes to fight the Heavenly Alliance, their actual combat ability might not be as strong as we hope. By taking over these small territories, it’ll also give them real experience.”

Wang Xing hadn’t thought of this, and listened in astonishment before breaking into a broad grin.

“How did I not think of that! So where do we start?”

“Yinzhan Village,” Chen Erpao replied. “It’s the closest village to us. The center has three streets, with a bar, three massage and leisure parlors, and many small shops—all under the protection of a local named Lei Ming. We’ll invite him to a negotiation, ask him to join us, and hand over the territory. We’ll still split the profits with him fifty-fifty. If he refuses, we’ll show our strength until he’s convinced. In this world, respect goes to the strong.”

“Great. Let’s have Huangmao handle the arrangements. When the time comes, we’ll just sweep through Yinzhan Village with our Iron Guards!” Wang Xing laughed heartily.

Around noon, the training ground was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of food. Several large pots were set over outdoor fires, filled with simmering, fragrant dog meat.

Chen Erpao had brought with him a dog weighing dozens of pounds and various spices for outdoor cooking.

“Wow, that smells amazing! You’re eating without waiting for us?” As everyone was digging in, Zeng Fan and Liu Huagang suddenly appeared.

Liu Huagang looked much better, with no sign of his previous injuries.

“Hurry up, or you’ll miss out!” Chen Erpao called out to them.

Everyone gathered around the two big pots. Though they were sweating profusely as they ate, there was no denying the satisfaction.

“Erpao, I’m truly grateful for how you and Wang Xing saved my life. I don’t even know how to repay you,” Liu Huagang said, a man of deep loyalty—evident from the way he still remembered this kindness.

Chen Erpao swallowed a large chunk of dog meat and smiled. “No need for all that! Aren’t we brothers? Brothers don’t talk about debts. From now on, you’ll be with us. Right now, Xing and I have started a small organization, and we need someone as skilled as you. Someday, we’ll make a name for ourselves in Hong Kong—what do you say?”

Liu Huagang hesitated a moment. He’d fought underground matches for gangs before, but that didn’t mean he was one of them.

“Alright, I’m in. Someday, this land of Hong Kong will belong to us.” Liu Huagang smiled sincerely and reached out his hand to Chen Erpao.

“Good brother!” Chen Erpao laughed, gripping Liu Huagang’s hand tightly. At the same time, Zeng Fan and Wang Xing placed their hands on top as well.

After the dog meat feast, everyone enjoyed a rare two-hour rest.

“Erpao, your Iron Guard training isn’t bad! But they’re still wolves in a cage—none of them have truly used their claws to fight prey,” Zeng Fan remarked, casting an approving glance at the Iron Guards.

“Exactly. That’s why, from now on, I plan to continue training them while also sending them out for real combat. Only by fighting for real can they keep improving,” Chen Erpao agreed.

Zeng Fan chuckled. “In a bit, let me test the results of your training. Let’s have a real fight.”

Chen Erpao laughed heartily. “Great! Having a former special forces captain test them is a rare opportunity. Just go easy on them—they’re still pups who’ve never tasted blood, while you’re a full-grown wolf king. If you knock them out for days, I’ll have to ask you to lend me some men.”

“Haha! I’m getting old—maybe these young wolves will injure this old wolf instead,” Zeng Fan replied, laughing brightly.

Soon, the top ten Iron Guards formed a circle around Zeng Fan, surrounding him with confident smiles. No doubt they were thinking: One man challenging all ten of us? After all this training, he’s surely overestimating himself!

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