Chapter 029: Suddenly Intercepted

Chapter 29: Suddenly Intercepted

This time, Huang Tianba was actually heading to Yunnan Province to strike a deal with the kingpin of the Golden Triangle. Though he only brought a few dozen men, a portion had already been sent ahead to make preparations. He dispatched Hua Qiang, the leader of the Azure Dragon Hall of the Justice Sect, to scout first and gather intelligence.

The Justice Sect was organized into four major halls: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise. To consolidate his position, Huang Tianba had sworn brotherhood with the four hall leaders. Hua Qiang was the second brother, the leader of the Vermilion Bird Hall, Chen Hao, was third, Black Tortoise’s leader Zuo Huan was fourth, and the White Tiger Hall’s chief, Wu Xiaoyu, was the fifth sister, with Huang Tianba as the eldest.

The five had always worked in unity, building the Justice Sect into a formidable force with ever-expanding business operations. Because the deal with the big boss from the Golden Triangle was substantial, Huang Tianba sent Hua Qiang ahead to reconnoiter, then followed with Chen Hao.

Of the four hall leaders, Hua Qiang was the most tactful and quick-witted, often shuttling between Yunnan and You County, so he was familiar with the terrain. Huang Tianba always let him take the lead, and this time was no exception. Chen Hao, known for his steady approach, was someone Huang liked to keep by his side. Wu Xiaoyu was adept at managing daily affairs, so she and Zuo Huan stayed back to guard headquarters.

Hua Qiang, with his trusted aides, scouted ahead and found everything in order, reporting back to Huang Tianba. The other side was pressing for speed, so Huang Tianba hastily set out for Yunnan with Chen Hao. That was also how Ye Feng ended up accompanying Huang Wei to the provincial capital.

They flew for a day and a half from You County, then hurried by car to a small town near Dehong on the Yunnan border. The round trip took another day and a half. According to received intelligence, the deal was set for 10:30 at night, in a valley outside the city.

This was the brilliance of Huang Tianba and his men—everyone expected the exchange to happen at dawn, but they had arranged it for night, reducing the vigilance of the border patrols. Moreover, Hua Qiang assured them he had the local contacts under control, so there was little risk. Huang Tianba smiled and praised Hua Qiang for his thoroughness.

“Serving you, big brother, is my duty. Under your leadership, the Justice Sect is flourishing. The brothers are all living the good life!” Hua Qiang didn’t forget to flatter his leader, his tone of respect drawing a look of scorn from Chen Hao.

“Enough, you can stop with the compliments. Our Justice Sect’s success is due to everyone’s efforts. I hope you all keep working hard, so we can build an even stronger Justice Sect!” Huang Tianba had lately been considering expanding into the provincial capital. Though they had some influence there, they still lagged behind the city’s top gang, the Invincible Society.

“Of course, of course. By the way, big brother, tonight’s arrangements are all set. Shall we proceed as planned and split into two groups?” Hua Qiang asked respectfully. The plan was for Huang Tianba and Chen Hao to each lead a team—one overt, one covert.

The meeting spot was secluded, perfect for an ambush, so Huang Tianba remained cautious. He would personally lead one group, Chen Hao another, with Hua Qiang responsible for the getaway. Once the goods were in hand, they would immediately head back to You County.

“Yes, stick to the plan. Everyone is to mind their own responsibilities. This deal is crucial to us. If it goes through, we stand to earn several million,” Huang Tianba said with satisfaction—after all, who doesn’t love money?

“Brilliant, big brother! Your strategy is truly ingenious!” Hua Qiang continued with his flattery. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a little praise? Hua Qiang was confident in his sycophancy—certain he could send his big brother soaring.

“All right, let’s proceed. Chen Hao, go and rally the men. We’re setting out soon.” Huang Tianba glanced at the wall clock—it was already seven. Most people would be at home watching the evening news by now.

Ten minutes later, Huang Tianba set out with his group of brothers, Chen Hao and his team following behind. Despite everything being in place, Huang Tianba felt a vague sense of unease—something wasn’t quite right, though he couldn’t pinpoint the problem. Perhaps things were going too smoothly. He shook off the thought and resolved to focus on safety, gazing out the window at the fleeting scenery and closing his eyes for a moment’s rest.

After decades of ups and downs, he was feeling weary. Though somewhat famous, he was now deeply entangled in this world, unable to extract himself cleanly. Besides, he had his brothers to consider—he couldn’t abandon them. Thankfully, his daughter wasn’t involved. Thinking of her, he also thought of Ye Feng—a fine young man, spirited and loyal. If Wei’er ended up with him, it would be a good match, Huang Tianba mused to himself.

Leaving the small town, their vehicle crawled along the mountain road, jolting over uneven ground. The driver, a trusted confidant with excellent skills, had always accompanied Huang Tianba and was behind the wheel again. The van struggled along the mountain path, which was a single lane bordered by cliffs.

Suddenly, with a screech, the driver slammed on the brakes, jolting Huang Tianba awake. He immediately asked, “What’s wrong? Why have we stopped?” The man in front spoke into his headset, trying to contact the lead vehicle. For convenience, Huang Tianba had equipped everyone with earpieces for this job.

“Boss, bad news! There’s a group blocking the road ahead!” the report came. Huang Tianba frowned—whoever they were, their intentions were clearly unfriendly.

“Everyone, be alert. Get out and take a look!” Huang Tianba ordered. He exuded a special air, his authority instantly making the driver shiver with awe.

“Hello? Hello?” The driver called repeatedly into the headset—no response. Something was wrong. “Boss, it looks like they’re using a signal jammer. We’ll have to get out and check.”

“Fine, let’s go.” Stepping out, Huang Tianba saw that the other cars’ men were already outside. He took out his phone to contact Chen Hao—no signal, just as expected. He strode forward. “What’s going on?”

“Boss, things don’t look good!” No sooner had his brother spoken than a group of masked men appeared behind them, all brandishing weapons and charging forward. Seeing the situation, it was obvious they were about to be ambushed. Damn it, Huang Tianba cursed inwardly.