Wu Rouyun's cheerful expression vanished instantly, replaced by cold ruthlessness.
"If your head got kicked by a donkey, go get it treated quickly. Stop showing off your stupidity everywhere. Lacked brains in life, and still a fool in death. Otherwise, how could Fengyun Gang have declined under your leadership?
You can't even manage your own affairs, yet you stick your nose into other gangs. Truly shameless! Not a single person from Langya Gang said anything, and your foul mouth does nothing but spew nonsense!
She unleashed her full wrath, cursing the Fengyun Gang leader until his face flushed red and he was left pointing at her, unable to speak a word.
"You-you-you… as expected, women and petty men are hard to deal with!"
After struggling for a long moment, that was all he could spit out.
"Look down on women? Did you crawl out of a crack in a rock?"
Wu Rouyun scoffed lightly. "We're in the Underworld now, and you still think being a man makes you special? I see you're just another worthless piece of trash!"
In life, she had faced plenty of malice and condescension toward women. Now, in the Underworld, where everyone could cultivate, she could not understand the source of his sense of superiority.
Besides, his strength did not even compare to hers.
"You—"
The Fengyun Gang leader's anger flared, and he stood up, staring at Wu Rouyun, wishing he could tear her apart with his own hands.
"I'll see how arrogant you can be. Offend Ghost King Valley this time, and Langya Gang will be expelled from the Underworld. Let's see how bold you remain then!"
He snorted coldly and turned to the others behind Wu Rouyun. "When that time comes, the gates of Fengyun Gang will open for you, and you will be welcome to join us anytime!"
The words instantly changed the expressions of those around him, especially the Langya Gang members, who looked extremely uneasy.
They had worried about this matter for days, but they could not challenge their gang master's decision. Now, with it spoken aloud, their anxiety grew more visible.
Wu Rouyun's face darkened to the extreme, murderous intent radiating directly toward the Fengyun Gang leader.
This person had the audacity to poach openly. It was intolerable.
Seeing that the two were on the verge of fighting, the surrounding gang masters finally intervened to mediate. After all, this was a disciples' competition. If the gang leaders themselves clashed, it would be a laughingstock.
A flicker of unusual emotion appeared in Qingfeng Gang's leader's eyes, concealing the pride within. With just a slight push, someone would step forward to deal with Wu Rouyun, without him lifting a finger.
The Fengyun Gang leader's words were not wrong. Without the pills, it would be extremely difficult for gang members to improve their cultivation.
In time, the gap between gangs would naturally widen.
Langya Gang might truly face expulsion.
Thinking this, Qingfeng Gang's leader already focused on Langya Gang's disciples, secretly considering poaching…
He was not alone; many others entertained the same thought. This was an opportunity—a chance to strike at Langya Gang and strengthen themselves.
"Alright, everyone calm down. The disciples' matches are far more important!"
"Yes, yes, we can discuss anything later. We've been friends for years. There's no need to fight over an outsider."
Everyone urged calm. After a while, the Fengyun Gang leader was seated again.
"Hmph!"
Neither of the two respected the other, each sitting several meters apart.
"Alright!"
Suddenly, cheers erupted. Everyone turned toward the arena to see someone had already won a match, sending the opponent flying off the platform.
The surrounding disciples clapped enthusiastically. Even members of other gangs could not help cheering, impressed by the man's skill.
"Langya Gang disciple Meng Dong wins!"
The announcer declared the result, sparking another round of applause. Meng Dong's expression lifted as he leapt from the platform, radiating confidence and satisfaction.
Wu Rouyun smiled immediately. This was indeed the promising junior she had been watching. The match concluded so quickly!
Other gang leaders' expressions shifted slightly but they quickly regained composure and congratulated Wu Rouyun, though their words dripped with envy.
Wu Rouyun grinned, bowing slightly. She could not hide her amusement. Over the next few rounds, Langya Gang performed impressively. Two disciples advanced to the finals.
The Fengyun Gang leader was enraged. Only one of his disciples reached the finals, and their strength was clearly inferior to Langya Gang's.
Once again, Langya Gang surpassed them. Furious, he began plotting revenge against Wu Rouyun.
The first day's matches ended, and everyone went to the inn to rest, awaiting the finals the next day.
…
At night, Wu Rouyun contacted Wu Yaozu and learned that Song Wanníng had not opened her door. Worry flickered in her eyes.
Song Wanníng radiated a reassuring presence, inspiring trust.
Yet now, Wu Rouyun had no certainty. This was a gamble. If they won, Langya Gang and she would face a future full of potential. But if they lost, Langya Gang would be divided, never to exist again.
"Ah…"
Though confident in front of outsiders, deep in the quiet night, worries crept in.
Troubles came in waves.
Late at night, Meng Dong knocked on the door, startling her.
She opened it and let him in.
"Why are you here instead of resting for tomorrow's match?"
A bad feeling rose in Wu Rouyun's heart. Meng Dong's visit could only bring trouble. Indeed, his next words chilled her to the bone.
"Gang Master, Qingfeng Gang's leader approached me, asking me to join their gang." His expression was cold, and the respect in his gaze toward Wu Rouyun was gone. Clearly, he had found backing, and the smug gleam in his eyes was unmistakable.
Wu Rouyun's expression darkened. Her heart grew icy. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
She stared at Meng Dong coldly. Previously, his talent was poor, and no gang had accepted him. She had pitied him and brought him in, and only after he encountered a fortunate opportunity did his abilities improve, leading to today's performance. Yet he had developed thoughts of betrayal before even entering the finals. It was disheartening.
"I will stay only if you allow me to become Langya Gang's deputy." Meng Dong's ambition exceeded the skies. Though he barely reached Nascent Soul level, he already desired to be deputy.
Even Wu Rouyun laughed at the audacity. "What courage do you have to make this demand?"
Even her own brother was only promoted to deputy after achieving sufficient cultivation.
And this person thought he could?