As the voice faded, a tall and slender figure suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes.
The newcomer was dressed in a gray-checkered suit, paired with a black silk shirt. A black belt cinched her waist perfectly, accentuating her flawless proportions.
A waterfall of black, voluminous curls cascaded over her shoulders, framing an exquisitely delicate face that instantly captivated every gaze in the room.
Her attire carried a mature elegance, yet the youthful vitality in her features betrayed her true age—she was still quite young.
Especially striking were her eyes, bright as stars, slightly curved with a faint trace of amusement. Yet beneath that warmth lay an untouchable coldness, keeping others at a respectful distance.
Behind her stood two others—a woman with short hair, nearly matching her height, and a stern-faced young man.
As the trio stepped into the grand hall, the high-ranking members of the Righteous League, who had been seated moments ago, involuntarily rose to their feet.
"You… you’re Liu Yutong?"
"Is it really the young mistress?"
"..."
They had heard of Liu Yutong—some even knew fragments of her near-legendary exploits—and were aware she was merely a freshman in university.
Yet, seeing her in person still left them utterly stunned.
She was so young!
Was it really her who single-handedly founded the Ten Thousand Dragons Society?
And those businesses worth billions in valuation?
Had they not verified the facts themselves, they would never have believed that an eighteen-year-old girl could achieve all this.
Those with children couldn’t help but reflect on what their own offspring were doing at that age. Those without compared it to their own pasts at eighteen.
Almost unanimously, they reached the same conclusion: at eighteen, they had been wasting their lives.
And then there was Liu Yutong before them—the gap was nothing short of monstrous.
Even among those who had opposed her return, some began to waver.
If she had accomplished so much at eighteen, what heights would she reach in the future?
If, as some suggested, she were welcomed back into the Righteous League and the Ten Thousand Dragons Society absorbed under its banner, the League could instantly rise to become Bright Pearl City’s undisputed underworld hegemon.
Then, whether it was the East Sea Alliance or any other syndicate, they would have no choice but to submit.
Most importantly, everyone stood to profit immensely.
If Liu Yutong had expanded the Ten Thousand Dragons Society’s ventures so rapidly, what could she do with the Righteous League’s resources?
Especially in the gambling sector—could she elevate it further, even expanding to the casinos of Macau and toppling its reigning king?
Honestly, if her methods remained as formidable, it wasn’t just possible—it was probable.
Liu Yutong swept her gaze across the room and smiled faintly. "It seems everyone knows me. What an honor."
Wu Rong, leader of the Vermilion Bird Hall, stepped forward eagerly. "Young Mistress, we’ve been waiting so long for your return."
Liu Yutong didn’t recognize him at first. "And you are…?"
Wu Rong smacked his forehead. "Ah, my apologies—I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Wu Rong, leader of the Vermilion Bird Hall."
"Ah, Hall Leader Wu."
Liu Yutong tilted her head slightly. "For some reason, hearing your words just now made me feel a little sick."
Wu Rong stiffened. "Young Mistress, what do you mean? You are Liu Lei’s daughter—that makes you our League’s rightful young mistress! Of course, we welcome you home."
Liu Yutong’s smile didn’t waver. "Really? Then I wonder who it was that sent a team to Wushui County to capture this ‘young mistress’ and dispose of her?"
Wu Rong hurriedly defended himself. "That was all a misunderstanding! The subordinates miscommunicated—we only meant to escort you back safely—"
Before he could finish, Wang Shi abruptly cut in. "Hall Leader Wu, why waste so many words on a woman? Can’t you see the situation for what it is?"
Liu Yutong turned her gaze to him. "You’re Wang Shi, aren’t you? If I recall correctly, we’ve met before."
Wang Shi sneered. "Surprised you remember a nobody like me. So, Miss Liu, what brings you to the Righteous League today? Here to fight me for the Dragon Head’s seat?"
"Though it doesn’t matter who comes. I’ll admit, Miss Liu, I admire your courage—walking into our headquarters with so little backup."
His eyes flicked to Yun Cheng. "Ah, my mistake. Not completely alone—you brought a bodyguard."
"—Yun Cheng."
Yun Cheng stared back coldly, silent.
But Wang Shi, recognizing him, wasn’t about to let it slide. "If I remember right, Yun Cheng, you deserted the Righteous League without permission."
"Under our rules, what’s the punishment for that?"
An elder loyal to Wang Shi immediately answered, "According to the code, the penalty is losing a hand or a foot."
"Wang Shi, why bring this up now? We’re discussing the interim leadership!" Wu Rong saw right through his ploy—this was a blatant power play in front of Liu Yutong.
Wang Shi ignored him, growing bolder. "Why so nervous, Hall Leader Wu? I’m upholding the League’s laws!"
"Anyone who breaks the rules must be punished. Otherwise, how can the Righteous League command respect in this world?"
"Today, Yun Cheng loses a hand. Not even Jesus can stop it—I said what I said!"
"Men, seize him—"
"Hold it." Liu Yutong’s voice cut through, calm but icy.
Wang Shi paused, turning to her. "What, Miss Liu? Planning to interfere with our justice?"
Liu Yutong shook her head. "No, no. I fully support enforcing discipline. Every organization must have its laws—ours at the Ten Thousand Dragons Society are no exception."
"For example, if someone leaves our society voluntarily, we give them double their last month’s pay as thanks for their service. If they’re fired, it’s N+2 compensation."
The room: "???"
What kind of nonsense was this? These were your rules?
You pay people who quit? And even more if they’re fired?
Are you running a charity, not a syndicate?
Wang Shi had initially been pleased by her apparent agreement—until her words sank in, and he realized he was being mocked.
What kind of joke was this?
Since when did gangs reward deserters instead of punishing them?
"Liu Yutong, what’s your point? And spare us the lectures—we don’t need the Ten Thousand Dragons Society teaching us how to run things!"
Liu Yutong’s smile faded. "I have no interest in teaching you anything. I just want to ask Hall Leader Wang—what’s the penalty for hiring assassins to kill your own boss?"
"Under the Righteous League’s code, how should that be handled?"
The moment she spoke—
Boom!
The entire council hall erupted in an instant, everyone stunned by Liu Yutong's words.
