Chapter 21: Entering the Gang Conflict, Wisely Breaking the Initial Deadlock

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Entering the Gang War, Breaking the Stalemate
No sooner had the system’s warning tone faded than an urgent communication request came through.
"Brother Mao, it’s bad! Over at the West District docks, Zhang Biao’s and Wang Hu’s men are fighting again!" A voice, sounding somewhat panicked, crackled through the communicator.
The West District docks were a vital logistics hub in the esper city, and the two gangs were in constant friction over territorial control.
Mao Yu had originally intended to avoid this messy affair, but the system hinted that there were hidden motives behind this particular conflict, so he decided to see for himself.
"Let's go, Ling’er, we’re going to take a look." Mao Yu put on his sunglasses, striking the pose of a powerful boss.
Mao Ling followed happily behind, holding two buckets of popcorn. "Yay! Something fun to watch again!"
Upon arriving at the docks, the scene was in total chaos. The two gangs were locked in a fierce battle, various supernatural abilities flying everywhere like fireworks during a festival.
Zhang Biao and Wang Hu, the two gang leaders, stood in the center of the crowd, glaring at each other as if ready to strike at any moment.
"Oh, if it isn't the incredibly popular Young Master Mao? What wind blew you our way?" Zhang Biao said with a sneer, toying with a dagger that glinted coldly in his hand.
He had long found Mao Yu an eyesore; a kid who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, what right did he have to steal his spotlight?
"Brother Biao, Brother Hu, you are both men of stature and reputation. Why damage your friendship over such a trivial matter?" Mao Yu walked forward with a smile, completely ignoring the hostile thugs surrounding them.
"Trivial? What would a brat like you know! In this West District dock, there can only be one boss!" Wang Hu grunted, slamming his fist into a nearby shipping container and leaving a massive dent.
Zhang Biao smiled without warmth. "Want to mediate? Fine! As long as you can pass our test single-handedly, I’ll give you the face!" With a wave of his hand, the surrounding thugs immediately closed in, rolling up their sleeves with fierce expressions.
Unexpectedly, Mao Yu sat down on the ground, patting the empty space next to him to signal Mao Ling to sit as well.
"Come, come, Ling’er, sit down. Let’s chat slowly." His actions left everyone completely bewildered.
Zhang Biao, burning with rage, reached out to grab Mao Yu by the collar. "Are you playing me?!"
"Stop!" Mao Ling suddenly blocked the path in front of Mao Yu, her small frame erupting with surprising presence.
Although she usually appeared naive and sweet, she was exceptionally brave when it mattered.
Zhang Biao’s men were startled by this sudden move and hesitated to advance.
Mao Yu spoke calmly, "Brother Biao, Brother Hu, have you ever considered why you are fighting like this? Is it really just for the meager profits of the West District docks?" His tone was steady and magnetic, surprisingly causing the surrounding thugs to quiet down.
"Isn't it?" Zhang Biao paused, asking subconsciously.
The corners of Mao Yu’s mouth curled up slightly. "Of course not..."

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Mao Yu paused, scanning the murderous crowd around him, his tone becoming profound: "When the snipe and the clam struggle, the fisherman reaps the benefit. You two are so clever, surely you understand this principle?"
Zhang Biao froze, instinctively furrowing his brows.
Wang Hu scoffed from the side, "Quit your mystical nonsense, kid! This is a matter between us brothers; we don't need an outsider interfering!"
"Brothers? Heh, Brother Hu, do you even believe that yourself?" Mao Yu chuckled, his gaze sharp as he stared at Wang Hu. "As far as I know, you’ve been pulling quite a few dirty tricks during the recent territory struggle in the North City. If it weren't for someone stirring the pot, would you two really be fighting to the death?"
Wang Hu’s expression shifted, his eyes darting around—he had clearly been struck where it hurt.
Zhang Biao looked at Wang Hu with suspicion; he had felt something was wrong before, and hearing Mao Yu say this, his doubts only grew deeper.
"Bullshit! Stop spewing lies!" Wang Hu, flustered and angry, pointed at Mao Yu and cursed, "I see what this is—you’re just a helper hired by Zhang Biao to sow discord!"
"Provocation won't work on me." Mao Yu shrugged, looking unfazed. "I came today just to remind you two that being used as a pawn isn't a good feeling. Instead of fighting amongst yourselves, you should think about who is pulling the strings behind the scenes." He paused, raising his voice, "As espers, we should stand united to protect this city, not slaughter each other for petty gains!"
Mao Yu’s words resonated clearly, and many thugs began whispering, their eyes filled with suspicion as they looked at Wang Hu.
Zhang Biao fell into deep thought, beginning to re-examine the purpose of this fight.
Seeing the change in Zhang Biao’s expression, Mao Yu knew his words had taken effect. He smirked slightly, thinking to himself, "It seems I have already won this game of chess."
Just then, Wang Hu suddenly roared, "Shut up, all of you! This kid is spouting nothing but nonsense, and you believe him?" He glared viciously at Mao Yu. "Brat, since you're here today, don't think you'll leave easily!" Wang Hu’s men began to stir, and a massive battle seemed imminent.
Mao Yu smiled faintly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Then let’s see who won't be leaving today..." He slowly raised his hand, and a powerful energy fluctuation began to condense around him...
A cold sneer played on Mao Yu’s lips as a surge of powerful energy radiated from him, spreading in all directions.
A fierce wind howled, sand and stones flew, and the very ground began to tremble.
Wang Hu and his men felt as if an invisible hand were gripping their throats, making it difficult to breathe.
Some of the weaker espers were even forced to their knees by the sheer pressure, shivering in fear.
"I’ll say it again: when the snipe and the clam struggle, the fisherman reaps the benefit. Are you sure you want to keep wasting time here?" Mao Yu’s voice boomed like thunder in their ears, carrying undeniable authority.
Wang Hu’s face turned livid. Though arrogant and overbearing, he was not without sense.
He knew Mao Yu’s power was unfathomable and that he was no match for him.
Gritting his teeth and glaring at Mao Yu one last time, he ultimately chose to back down.
"Let's go!" He waved his hand and led his men away from the docks in defeat.
Zhang Biao watched Wang Hu’s retreating back, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

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He walked up to Mao Yu and cupped his hands in a salute. "Young Master Mao, thank you for today."
Mao Yu waved him off. "No need to be polite. I just didn't want to see you two being used as pawns."
Just then, a figure stepped out from the crowd.
It was Feng Yao. With a hint of worry on her face, she walked quickly to Mao Yu’s side, took his hand, and looked him up and down. "Are you alright?"
Mao Yu felt the warmth of Feng Yao’s palm, and a sense of comfort washed over him.
He smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine, don't worry."
The surrounding crowd, witnessing this, couldn't help but exchange knowing looks.
It seemed this Young Master Mao was not only powerful but also quite the lady-killer.
"Hmph, you’re lucky." Feng Yao gave Mao Yu a coquettish glare, though she could not hide the concern in her eyes.
Mao Yu looked at Feng Yao, his heart filled with tenderness.
He knew that beneath the cold, elegant exterior of this girl lay a truly kind and gentle heart.
However, just then, Mao Yu’s communicator suddenly rang.
He answered it, and an urgent voice came through: "Young Master Mao, it’s bad! Something has happened..."
Mao Yu’s expression changed, an ominous feeling rising in his heart.
He looked at Feng Yao and said in a low voice, "It seems we have more trouble to handle."
Feng Yao sensed the gravity of the situation. She gripped Mao Yu’s hand tightly and said firmly, "No matter what happens, I will face it with you."
Mao Yu nodded, a look of determination flashing in his eyes.
He knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult and filled with obstacles.
The anxious voice continued from the communicator: "...Steward Lin, he... he has been kidnapped!"