Chapter 123: The Trump Card to Turn the Tide

The dragon leader personally inviting a newly risen newcomer to dinner was an exceedingly rare occurrence for the Azure Dragon Society. Within the society, countless members were capable fighters, yet very few had the privilege to dine alongside Tang Long. As a result, many harbored resentment toward Lu Feng, eager to challenge him in combat.

Though many entertained such thoughts, none dared voice them openly due to Tang Long’s presence.

Lu Feng had never expected Tang Long’s invitation to be an offer for him to join the Azure Dragon Society.

He would never align himself with any gang, so he declined outright, “I will not join the Azure Dragon Society.”

To the lower ranks of the society, Tang Long was a revered figure, a boss worthy of worship. Now, after Tang Long had extended great courtesy to a fledgling like Lu Feng only to be rebuffed, outrage rippled through the crowd.

“Kid, don’t take my kindness for weakness! You want to see what happens?” one of the society’s foot soldiers shouted aggressively.

Tang Long glanced sideways upon hearing the outburst.

A red-clad enforcer quickly turned to glare at the instigator, lowering his voice with a sharp warning, “Quiet!”

No one dared continue shouting, yet hushed murmurs and disdainful whispers persisted.

Tang Long remained unfazed by the rejection, smiling as he said, “Think carefully. The New East Society has nearly ten thousand members. No matter how strong one person is, can he stand against ten thousand? I know the Yun’an Group is facing serious trouble. In this city of demons, I am the only one who can—and dares to—support you. Isn’t this face enough?”

Lu Feng replied calmly, “It’s not a matter of face. I simply cannot join any gang.”

“I don’t like to force people,” Tang Long said. “But let me be clear: without my backing, the Yun’an Group won’t survive. At this rate, within two months, all Yun’an wellness centers in Haizhu, Liwan, and Panyu will shut down. If you try to hold on, within half a year, Yun’an will be bankrupt.”

Lu Feng nodded. “That’s precisely why I came to have this meal with you today.”

“I can give you time to think it over, but my patience is limited,” Tang Long added.

“No time needed. I won’t join the Azure Dragon Society, but I still need you to handle the New East Society on my behalf,” Lu Feng said.

Laughter erupted among the society’s members, as if they had just heard the world’s biggest joke.

To them, the dragon leader’s willingness to support a newcomer was already a great honor. Now, this newcomer not only refused to join but asked the society to intervene for him—an utterly absurd notion.

Tang Long smiled, though quietly, and said, “I like young fighters, that’s true. But if you don’t join the Azure Dragon Society, I won’t stand up for you.”

“I’ll find a way to make you agree,” Lu Feng responded.

“Oh? Let me hear it. What could you possibly say to persuade me?” Tang Long’s smile remained, but a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. He began to think Lu Feng was overly arrogant.

“I am a doctor. I can heal,” Lu Feng said.

“I’m in good health—no old injuries, no hidden ailments. I don’t need a doctor,” Tang Long replied.

“No, you are sick,” Lu Feng shook his head.

The remark felt like a curse, sparking anger among the society’s foot soldiers. With a command from Tang Long, they would have torn Lu Feng apart.

“I train three rounds of boxing daily and eat three bowls per meal. I’m as robust as you. What sickness could I possibly have?” Tang Long’s smile vanished as his sharp gaze locked onto Lu Feng’s.

“You may be physically well, but I’m almost certain you have no children,” Lu Feng said.

At this, Tang Long’s expression darkened immediately.

The foot soldiers behind him seethed with fury, one pointing at Lu Feng and snarling, “How dare you insult our boss! You want to fight me?”

It was well known among the underworld that Tang Long had no children, though it was a taboo topic no one dared mention openly. Yet, if one were curious, it was not hard to find out.

“Are you mocking my ability? Should I call a woman over right now and prove it to you?” Tang Long snapped coldly.

Lu Feng shook his head. “That’s not the same. Not everyone who can conceive can bear children.”

Tang Long was nearly fifty. As the leader of the Azure Dragon Society for so many years, naturally he desired offspring. Although he had many women, none had borne him a child.

He had undergone medical examinations, which showed no issues. Following doctors’ advice, he had timed his efforts with ovulation, but to no avail.

This matter was his taboo, his “reverse scale.” Anyone who dared mention it was courting misfortune.

“So you did some digging before coming here and now want to make deals? Do you think I’m a fool?” Tang Long’s face was grim.

Lu Feng shook his head. “Before coming, I didn’t know whether you had children. I only realized it after meeting you.”

“Oh? How could you tell?” Tang Long waved his men away.

“You’re physically healthy, but your Kidney Meridian—the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian—shows signs of yang deficiency. Coupled with an underactive ‘offspring palace,’ it’s basically impossible for you to have children,” Lu Feng explained.

Tang Long understood the Kidney Meridian reference—it was part of traditional Chinese medicine’s twelve meridians—but he wasn’t familiar with the term “offspring palace.”

“What is the offspring palace?”

“It’s a concept from Taoist astrology. The offspring palace indicates whether a person’s descendants will prosper,” Lu Feng said.

“Are you a doctor or a feng shui master?”

“Our founder, Sun Simiao, combined both medicine and metaphysics,” Lu Feng replied.

Tang Long had researched Lu Feng’s background and knew he was skilled in medicine, though the extent was unclear.

“So you mean you can cure my condition?” Tang Long frowned.

“The yang deficiency in your Kidney Meridian can be treated, increasing your chances of having children,” Lu Feng answered.

“What are the odds?”

“The chance of curing the yang deficiency is one hundred percent. As for having children, that depends on you, but roughly fifty percent,” Lu Feng said.

The older one grew, the stronger the yearning for children became. For Tang Long, his desire for offspring even surpassed his desire for women.

After a moment’s contemplation, Tang Long asked, “Can you guarantee your words?”

“Absolutely,” Lu Feng said confidently.

“Very well, what do you want in return?”

“Have the Azure Dragon Society handle the New East Society. As long as Yun’an isn’t harassed by them, that’s enough,” Lu Feng requested.

Tang Long considered briefly, then agreed, “Fine. I’ll protect Yun’an for a year. If your treatment fails, you know the consequences.”

“Agreed,” Lu Feng nodded.