Early December, the deeper winter brought thick snow.0

It was approaching three years since Li Yuan had relocated to the Holy Tree Temple’s city stronghold.0

Clad in a simple, hooded cotton coat, Li Yuan walked through the snowy streets. Everywhere he passed, people greeted him with a respectful smile, calling out to him.0

Li Yuan responded in kind, returning their bows with a gentle smile.0

Soon, however, he slipped into a hidden building within the Black Wolf Gang’s territory. The moment he pushed open the door, cold wind and snow gusted in behind him. Inside, 14 people rose instantly and greeted him in unison.0

“Master!”0

Pulling back his hood, Li Yuan dipped his head in acknowledgment. He strode to the large chair in the center of the room and sat down, a subtle shift in his bearing giving him a dark, imposing presence.0

Of course, the grim atmosphere had as much to do with those gathered around him. Twelve were truly vicious criminals and killers with countless...0