Huya, a high-end villa area in Asakawa.
This is one of the city's most exclusive and affluent areas, where every inch of land exudes the scent of money.
Under the cover of night, a large detached villa is brightly lit, illuminating the surrounding courtyard as if it were daytime.
At the entrance of the villa, more than twenty burly men in black suits stood on both sides, their backs straight, their hands behind their backs, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any movement.
These people are the core members of the Kurosaki-kai, and each of them is a master fighter capable of taking on ten opponents.
At this moment, the heavy solid wood gate of the villa slowly opened.
A strong smell of alcohol wafted out from inside the door first, followed by Kurosaki Kimiyu and Iemura Tatsumi, who staggered out, supporting each other.
"Longmei, everything that needed to be said has already been said inside. Go back and get some rest."
Kurosaki Kimyu spoke, his voice still quite steady, clearly indicating he had an excellent alcohol tolerance.
He has been partying almost every night for the past few days, constantly inviting the leaders of the factions who used to stand firmly by his side to drink with him.
As a direct descendant of Kowloon World Heart, he knew better than anyone else about his boss's health condition, and that it would be difficult for him to survive the winter.
Therefore, he must firmly grasp his own faction's power before the final moment arrives, ensuring that every step goes smoothly.
Adding to the fact that, at this sensitive time, Kowloon Worldly-Sum had his own son, Lau Lung-yan, establish the "Lau Society".
This action made him wonder more.
Did the eldest brother ultimately intend for his own family to inherit the vast Kowloon Group?
If it had been two or three years earlier, and Kowloon Shih-hsin had clearly told Kurosaki Jun-ryong that he wanted Liu Lung-yan to inherit the Kowloon Group, Kurosaki Jun-ryong would never have had any other thoughts about it, and might even have taken the initiative to help the young master take the throne.
However, things are different now.
The Kurosaki-kai of today is no longer just Kurosaki Kimryu's Kurosaki-kai.
The numerous forces centered around him are deeply intertwined, all waiting for him to lead them to greater heights. He is responsible for the future of countless brothers.
Moreover, the threat is not only to the inexperienced Liu Longren, but also to the ever-ambitious believer Jilong, who is eyeing the place with predatory intent.
Kurosaki Junlong must prepare for the worst: if Kowloon World Heart falls, the Kowloon Group will immediately split, turning into a bloody three-way confrontation.
Therefore, before the final storm arrives, he must repeatedly confirm the loyalty of his core faction.
Tatsumi Iemura looked like she had indeed drunk quite a bit; she was unsteady on her feet, her face was flushed, and her steps were unsteady.
Seeing this, Nikaido, who was standing next to him, immediately stepped forward and firmly supported his chairman's arm.
With Nikaido's help, Iemura Tatsumi regained his balance. He struggled to open his somewhat dazed eyes, looked at Kurosaki Kimiryu, and slurred, "Issue a promise:"
"Don't worry, Brother Kurosaki, I will definitely support your decision. Iemura will always stand by your side."
Seeing Iemura Ryūmi's drunken state, Kurosaki Kimyū smiled helplessly and waved his hand.
"Longmei, let's go back. I told you to drink less."
Upon hearing Kurosaki Kimiryu's words, Nikaido nodded respectfully to him and then prepared to help the drunken Iemura Tatsumi away.
Just as the two turned around, preparing to walk towards the convoy parked not far away, Kurosaki Kimiryu's calm yet somewhat solemn voice came from behind them.
"Longmei, don't be too conspicuous lately. If you can stay in your Longmei Building, don't come out easily."
"My men just raided the True Dragon Society. As far as I know, that kid Ryuzaki Makoto is someone who won't suffer a loss. He might secretly do something to retaliate. In any case, it's best to be careful."
Whether or not Tatsumi Iemura heard him clearly, she only mumbled an "uh-huh" before being half-supported, half-carried by Nikaido into a car in the middle of the convoy.
Soon, the convoy started and slowly drove away from the villa area.
...
The Longmei Building is located in the Bayside District in the east of the city.
This place was once a bustling trading port, but it was eventually abandoned as the city's development focus shifted.
Therefore, most of the buildings in this area are old and dilapidated, and the streets are desolate.
On the bayside highway at night, there wasn't a single car in sight, not even a ghost.
Only the howling sea wind whipped up the dust and waste paper on the ground, making a whistling sound.
The Iemura Association's convoy, consisting of ten black Mercedes-Benz sedans, was speeding along the deserted road at an extremely high speed.
Even without Kurosaki Kimiryu's reminder, Iemura Tatsumi knew that in these turbulent times, it was essential to bring extra people with you when going out, just in case.
Nikaido drove the car himself, with Iemura Tatsumi sitting in the back seat, who was already resting with her eyes closed.
The car was quiet, with only the roar of the engine and the sound of tires rolling over the road.
Nikaido glanced at the time on the car screen; it was 3 a.m.
The prolonged tension and the effects of alcohol caused him to feel drowsy.
He rubbed his eyes hard and yawned deeply, trying to stay awake.
Just then, the taillights of the convoy ahead suddenly lit up all at once, and the convoy's speed suddenly decreased until it came to a complete stop.
This sudden turn of events startled Nikaido so much that he almost instinctively slammed on the brakes.
The tires screeched as they rubbed against the ground, and the whole car jerked forward.
This startled Ryūmi Iemura, who was dozing off in the back row.
He suddenly opened his eyes, his body leaning forward due to inertia, his voice carrying a hint of displeasure and confusion.
"what happens?"
Nikaido gripped the steering wheel tightly, his heart still pounding. He quickly turned around to explain:
"Excuse me, President, the car in front has stopped. I'll get out and check it out."
Nikaido pushed open the car door and strode forward.
He hadn't walked more than a few steps when one of his henchmen rushed over from the car in front of him.
"Boss, there's a big truck blocking the road ahead. It looks like it's broken down and has blocked the way."
Upon hearing this, Nikaido's brows furrowed instantly, and a strong sense of unease welled up within him.
At this time and in this place, a large truck that has broken down?
It's too much of a coincidence.
However, he didn't voice his suspicions; instead, he decided to go and see for himself.
More than twenty people, all strong and fit men, got off the convoy one after another.
They surrounded Nikaido, cautiously walking towards the front of the convoy.
As night deepened, the group walked to the front of the convoy. By the light of the headlights, they could clearly see a completely black heavy truck with no markings, about 100 meters ahead, blocking the road like a wall.
At that moment, two figures slowly emerged from the shadow of the dark truck...