No one expected Yang Hu—usually so respectful toward the Gang Leader and competent in his duties—to suddenly lash out with a vicious backstab at such a critical moment.
After a brief, deathly silence, cries of alarm erupted within the Main Hall. A few loyal Hall Masters and Protectors instinctively rushed forward, wanting to support the heavily injured Ma Changhai.
"Gang Leader!"
"Gang Leader! How are you…"
"Yang Hu, that traitor! I'll kill him!"
"Stay back, all of you!!"
Ma Changhai threw up a hand, sharply ordering everyone to halt. He clutched the profusely bleeding wound in his abdomen, his face pale from the excruciating pain and blood loss. His eyes, however, were bloodshot, filled with a mixture of shock and fury. Deeper still lay an unspeakable wariness and suspicion.
Yang Hu's betrayal instantly connected in his mind with the targeted attack on his family and his father's brutal death.
