Chapter Sixty-Six: The Bear God Watuoge

Except for Cao You, none of the ambushers survived; even Cao Hai, whom Ding Li had slain earlier, perished. Zhang Mingzhi understood well that this overwhelming victory was solely due to Ding Li's unexpected appearance. Back in the day, when they rushed to Fuxu Town, Ding Li alone had fended off the joint ambush of Cao Hai and Cao You. Just now, he had again defeated both men in quick succession, slaying Cao Hai on the spot. Even Cao You was now nothing more than a cripple.

With the Zhang Trading Guild's people present, handling the aftermath became exceedingly simple. Yet, following a cue from Zhang Wu, no one moved immediately; instead, they gathered around Zhang Mingzhi, standing face to face with Luda Chi, as if bolstering their master’s morale.

"Second Master Zhang, is there anything else you require of me?" The events just witnessed had left Luda Chi utterly stunned—not just by the well-trained private guards of the Zhang family, but especially by Ding Li, who now stood beside Zhang Mingzhi holding his cold butcher’s knife. Luda Chi couldn’t help but feel relieved at his earlier prudent decision; even so, cold sweat trickled down his back, and he dared not meet Zhang Mingzhi’s eyes.

"If it weren't for the Mongol Gang’s assistance tonight, I fear the Zhangs wouldn’t have weathered this ordeal so easily." There was a strange light in Zhang Mingzhi’s eyes as he spoke, making Luda Chi completely unable to fathom his meaning. But Luda Chi was no fool; he quickly realized Zhang Mingzhi was trying to win him over. He frowned and lowered his head, lost in thought.

"Luda Chi, some things must be faced; hiding is never a solution." Zhang Mingzhi, sharp as ever, saw through Luda Chi’s reluctance to get involved. This was closely tied to Zhang Mingzhi’s earlier secret attempts to win him over. Time and again, Luda Chi had expressed his desire to remain neutral in the struggle between the Zhang and Cao families. Yet tonight’s events made it clear: survival in the cracks was not as easy as he had imagined. As Zhang Mingzhi said, some things simply cannot be avoided.

"Second Master, I'm a blunt man. Now that things have come to this, just say what you need." After a moment’s silence, Luda Chi gritted his teeth, furrowed his brow, and declared his stance in a deep voice. He thumped his chest in earnest and added, "As long as it’s within my power, I will not refuse! I only hope you won’t make things too difficult for me."

"Not difficult at all—quite simple." At these words, Zhang Mingzhi’s eyes narrowed like an old fox whose scheme had succeeded; a glint flashed as he answered with a serene yet serious face, "I want all your influence in Little South Sea."

"What?!" Luda Chi was stunned, blurting out his disbelief as he stared wide-eyed at Zhang Mingzhi, unable to accept what he’d just heard. But Zhang Mingzhi was unfazed; he smiled faintly and continued, "Of course, I don’t mean ‘take’ in the way you imagine. You won’t be shortchanged. The Zhang family will fully support you in every respect, even help you expand your influence in Little South Sea."

"I see now." Luda Chi finally understood Zhang Mingzhi’s intent. He nodded, his eyes showing a hint of dissatisfaction as he replied in a steady voice, "Just as the Cao Trading Guild supported the pleasure boat master, Flower Fifth, in Little South Sea, now you want to use me against him, to check the Cao family’s influence in Fuxu Town and Little South Sea, and perhaps dominate the area entirely. In the end, when my brothers and I are of no further use, you’ll reap the spoils behind our backs."

Luda Chi was forthright, laying his reasoning bare without reservation. At his words, the dozens of men behind him immediately grew wary. The Zhang family’s men tensed as well, and the alley’s atmosphere thickened, the air itself seeming to freeze.

"Straightforward! Hahaha!" Zhang Mingzhi suddenly burst into laughter, praising Luda Chi. Seeing the other’s furrowed brow, he slowly shook his head and sighed, "But you’ve only got the first half right. You’ve been in Fuxu Town for years. Have you ever known the Zhang Trading Guild to stab anyone in the back? Have I, Zhang Mingzhi, ever employed such base means? If you have these concerns, I’ll swear an oath to your ancestor, Ottogut, right now, in the name of the Zhang Trading Guild!"

As he spoke, Zhang Mingzhi pointed first to the bear totem on Luda Chi’s chest, then to the sky. Solemnly, he declared, "Bear God Ancestor Ottogut above! I, Zhang Mingzhi, swear before all: no matter what happens in the future, the Zhang Trading Guild shall never betray your people! Should I break this oath, may heaven and earth destroy me!"

As Zhang Mingzhi swore, Luda Chi and his men each placed an arm diagonally across their chest, bowed slightly, and lowered their heads in reverence. Only when Zhang Mingzhi finished speaking did they straighten, one after another, now looking at him with no trace of hostility.

This scene surprised Ding Li—he hadn’t expected a single oath, which to him seemed to hold no real force, could have such an effect. Yet he was sincerely impressed by Luda Chi and his fellow Mongols; in their hearts, what others might consider a trivial faith was the most binding force they had known since birth.

Now relieved, Luda Chi pondered a moment, but still voiced a concern, "Second Master Zhang, forgive my bluntness! With your guild’s power, surely you needn’t trouble yourself with Flower Fifth. Why choose me, and offer such generous terms? I find it hard to believe."

"The Cao and Zhang families are now at daggers drawn," Zhang Mingzhi replied, no longer concerned about Luda Chi’s sincerity. He knew these Mongols—faith in the Bear God Ottogut kept them from betrayal. Patiently, he explained, "This is like a chess game, and the stakes aren’t money, but lives. One wrong move, and everything is lost. Every step must be taken with utmost caution. That’s why the Cao family supports Flower Fifth—to check us. Our guild’s influence is limited; we can’t afford to antagonize too many forces at once, nor risk anyone tripping us up from behind."

"Oh, I see," Luda Chi nodded slowly, though his face showed some confusion. Zhang Mingzhi didn’t elaborate further—he knew time would make things clear.

Then, Zhang Mingzhi pointed to Aguda standing nearby, introducing him to Luda Chi, "This is my brother, Aguda. He’s a fellow Mongol, once made his living on your turf. I ask you to look after him. If anything arises, you can send Aguda to my residence in the Eastern City, to arrange a meeting or deliver a message."

"No problem! Your brother is my brother too," Luda Chi replied without hesitation. He sized up Aguda, then raised his fist in greeting, "Brother Aguda, from now on, we’re one family!"

"Yes, yes… If I ever fall short in future, I hope you’ll forgive me, Brother Luda Chi!" Aguda had never expected the mighty Luda Chi would clasp fists with him and call him brother. Overjoyed, he quickly returned the gesture, unable to hide his excitement.

"Good! It’s late, we should be going." Zhang Mingzhi, relieved, saluted Luda Chi for the first time, then patted Aguda on the shoulder, instructing, "From now on, be decisive—don’t hesitate. Remember, you’re now part of the Zhang Trading Guild!"

"Yes, take care, Second Brother!" Aguda nodded vigorously, then saluted Ding Li and Zhang Wu, "Big Brother Li, Brother Wu, Sister Rou—take care! I’ll visit when I can!"

Ding Li smiled and nodded. As he passed Aguda, he patted his shoulder lightly, then saw Luda Chi salute him solemnly. Ding Li paused in surprise, then heard him say, "Brother Li! Your skills are impressive. Let’s spar sometime!"

"Anytime! And thank you for earlier," Ding Li replied, saluting back and nodding. With that, under the Zhang family’s protection, they quickly departed. The corpses of the Cao family’s assassins were naturally left for Luda Chi to deal with.

"Second Brother, why do I feel that when you left Aguda with him, Luda Chi didn’t react at all?" After some distance, Ding Li voiced his confusion. It was obvious Zhang Mingzhi was planting his own man at Luda Chi’s side, yet Luda Chi seemed not to notice.

"It’s custom—he understands perfectly," Zhang Mingzhi said, smiling. "Our agreement means that, outwardly, the Mongol Gang remains independent, but that’s just for show. Luda Chi’s reputation is important. In reality, he’s now one of us. If he’d refused to keep Aguda, he’d be signaling his unwillingness to submit."

"Don’t be fooled by his rough looks," Zhang Wu added, catching up while dragging his injured leg and slinging an arm over Ding Li’s shoulders. "Luda Chi has run things in Fuxu Town’s Little South Sea for over a decade—he’s no fool. If he’d refused Aguda, our top target wouldn’t be Flower Fifth or the Cao family, but Luda Chi himself!"

"Exactly—a hidden enemy is more dangerous," Ding Li agreed. After all, the Cao family and Flower Fifth were obvious enemies. But if Luda Chi hadn’t made his loyalties clear, the Zhang Trading Guild would have dealt with him before any great battle.

"Brother Li!" As his thoughts wandered, Ding Li was startled by a soft cry. Zhang Wu jumped aside in fright. Turning, Ding Li saw Zhang Yurou gazing at him with grievance, pouting as she complained in a low voice, "My foot is hurting again..."