Chapter 1002 971: Resolution of Three Provinces (Part 1)
Chapter 1002 971: Resolution of Three Provinces (Part 1)
After the two individuals finished mending themselves, they sat down in the stone house. Consort Ling and Yelu Shou took seats beside Xiao Lin after exchanging simple introductions. The four were positioned in a perfect square, with the Clan Leader of the Dan Clan, Dan Qing, leaning against the window like a timid spouse under the different auras of the four.
In principle, Dan Ning would not allow Dan Qing to partake in such a neutral yet hostile setting, but Dan Ning easily compromised under her insistence. This allowed Xiao Lin to notice a bit of disharmony. He chuckled softly. Perhaps only Dan Qing herself didn't realize; others were shrewder and could guess something.
"'Wagannai', all forty-two members, perished overnight in a secret stronghold. This matter is enough to disgrace our Eastern provinces," Dan Ning cast a glance at Xiao Lin. "Our Eastern provinces are somewhat renowned in Sicily, and we've stayed out of each other's business. Xiao Lin, don't you think you've gone a little overboard this time?" Her words were polite, but a chilly sharpness like a blade brushed past Dan Qing's heart, making her nervously look at the four people before her, her tense heart skipped a beat.
"The Xiao Family always has reasons when it kills. Dan Ning, don't think just because you're from the Eastern provinces you can speak to our boss like this!" Yelu Shou suddenly burst out, causing Dan Qing's heart, already tense, to tighten further. She looked towards Xiao Lin, only to see him slightly adjust his position without restraining Yelu Shou.
"Yelu Shou! The current ruler of Darkness, ruthless enough to wipe out five leaders within a single night, quelling internal discord and overthrowing traditional ancient families. No wonder your boss could so easily locate one of my strongholds; even if you have the qualifications to boast here, I still have my reasons. My forty-two men were not wasted lives."
"Dan Ning, to be precise, it's twenty people. I only admit to my actions. I don't commit what I haven't done, nor do I make it a habit to take on someone else's blame." Xiao Lin lit a cigarette, exhaled a smoke ring. "Also, the twenty people I killed deserved it, and you should thank me for cleaning up your ranks."
Just as Dan Ning was about to speak, Dan Qing stopped her. "Whatever you say, it's still internal affairs of the Dan Clan. Even if they were wrong, such an offense shouldn't warrant death."
"Dan Ning, I, Xiao Lin, never need to explain my actions to anyone, but out of respect for Dan Qing, I'll clarify things for you today. Whether you believe or not, my actions will not be obstructed by you even if you're a member of the Dan Clan. You can choose to remain neutral like Nicholas or consider working with me, but do not become an obstacle. Otherwise, Dan Qing will have a hard time."
Such arrogance! Though Dan Ning furrowed his brows. "I will make it clear too; as long as it doesn't involve the Dan Clan, I'm open to discussion, but I must pursue the deaths of 'Wagannai's' forty-two souls!"
"Xiao Lin!" Dan Qing softly called out.
"Dan Ning, let me first ask you a question! Who killed Jack in 'Raymond'?" Xiao Lin nodded at Dan Qing, understanding her intent. "Jack wasn't blown up; the last person who saw him was Wang Zhantian. I was present at the time."
A clear surprise flashed through Dan Ning's eyes; 'Raymond' is Kromop's territory, also a secret rendezvous point between the Eastern provinces and them. Xiao Lin's presence in 'Raymond' isn't odd, given its famed entertainment hub, but appearing at the rendezvous is different. "Francis Nubia Genovis!" Seeing Dan Ning's confusion, Xiao Lin added.
"So the rumors from Palermo are true!" Dan Ning glanced at Dan Qing. "From the moment you and Hua Qingyi entered Sicily, someone began to notice you. The two women from the Genovese Clan were either charmed by the two brothers or spoke confidential matters to you. The rumors about Hua Qingyi turning against you were part of your plan?"
"Different paths lead to different outcomes. We simply chose different roads, hence different results!"
"Jack's death has nothing to do with the Eastern provinces! You were present, so you should know. I left before the explosion."
"How did you know about my pursuit from Yanjing to Sicily for Wang Zhantian?"
"Does it relate to the person who attempted to kill me?"
"From your answer, it's a secret you cannot disclose. I won't inquire further." Xiao Lin shrugged indifferently, and Yelu Shou quickly understood Xiao Lin's implication. "I never suspected you killed Jack nor that you'd harm your partner over minor matters. Hence, I suspected Wang Zhantian, coincidentally, the first time I met Nicholas, he killed a Chinese man in front of me. An innocent man gave me a warning, leading me to surmise that the perpetrator could be one of ours. Someone wants to replace the Eastern provinces in controlling the arms trade with the Sicilian Mafia." Dan Ning's pupils contracted slightly; Xiao Lin's reasoning aligned with his own.
"Why were you at the scene of the gunfire? Committing the folly of attacking the police!"
"I always need to create opportunities for myself." Xiao Lin chuckled. "During the bar shooting, someone seized that batch of goods. I didn't confront the culprits at the bar, but we clashed in 'Bessade'. The person who killed Fick at the bar killed Jack's underling. She's a woman! But I'm unsure if she's related to the person who seized the goods."
"Now, let me clarify the 'Wagannai' murder case!" Yelu Shou took over the conversation. "In fact, there's a reason we showed up in Sicily, and it starts with your Eastern provinces."
Xiao Lin left his seat, having recently taken a liking to Antonio's brewed red tea with a side of scones. He poured a small cup for everyone, then fetched a fresh meat slab from the fridge and sliced his finger. The bird, obediently sleeping in the corner, immediately opened its eyes, ran over, and stretched out its tongue to lick Xiao Lin's finger. It was as if it were a greedy addict unable to let go.
"Dan Ning! Even the most loyal brothers can betray. The Eastern provinces aren't as united as you think." Xiao Lin spoke while feeding the bird.
"The boss learned Wang Zhantian appeared in Sicily, and simultaneously Wang Zhanting's unexpected death in the moat, originally sealed off news, spread the same day the boss arrived in Sicily. While tracing this person, I inadvertently engaged with your Eastern provinces." (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a recommendation vote, a monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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