Victory Banquet

Paradise Island.

No, it has since been renamed—Asura Island.

After the annihilation of the Paradise organization, the entire island became the territory of the Asura Sect.

Unlike other factions, Paradise Island was land unclaimed by any nation. For over a century, it had belonged solely to the Paradise organization.

The island’s infrastructure was remarkably well-developed.

Its geographical location was also highly advantageous, situated near Daxia, Izumo, Goryeo, and other nations—truly a prized land.

"The island’s resources have been fully inventoried. Take a look."

Shangguan Qianqian pushed open An Yi’s door, her long, slender legs stepping inside as she handed him a document.

"Ahem, let me see."

An Yi, who had been engrossed in a book, quickly closed it and accepted the file.

At a glance, his head spun—rows upon rows of dense text and figures detailing ships, weapons, buildings, and more.

"Mm, well done."

An Yi crossed his legs and pretended to skim through it before setting it aside.

Shangguan Qianqian’s eyes turned frosty. "You’re done already?"

She had spent the entire night compiling this data.

"Ahem, n-no, not yet. I’ll take another look."

An Yi stiffened under her gaze and forced himself to continue reading—only for his eyes to widen in shock.

"Over a hundred billion?! That much?!"

He stared at the staggering sum of wealth listed.

Shangguan Qianqian explained, "We owe that to Chen Bing. He had an intimate understanding of Paradise’s operations and provided crucial intel."

Seeing the gleam in An Yi’s eyes, she immediately doused his excitement. "Don’t get any ideas. Most of this money isn’t liquid, and rebuilding the base will require significant expenses."

An Yi shrugged. "Do I look like that kind of person?"

As he read further, his surprise deepened.

Paradise’s financial structure was incredibly complex, spanning nearly every industry.

Shockingly, they had even secretly backed a politician in the U.S., now a sitting governor.

Just days ago, the governor had reached out, requesting the Asura Sect’s support as their new financial backers.

An Yi fell into thought. Running the Asura Sect came with substantial operational costs.

Keeping everything functioning smoothly was no small challenge.

Back when Lin Chen ruled Hong Kong, this had been a headache. But now, it seemed Paradise had already paved the way.

The framework was in place—all that remained was execution. The finer details no longer mattered.

"Thank you, Michael. Thank you, Paradise!"

"Next, I’d like Ruo Xi and Wang Yuan to assist in organizing the finances," Shangguan Qianqian suggested after some deliberation.

Such a massive undertaking was impossible for her alone, yet she lacked suitable assistants at the moment.

An Yi chuckled. "Don’t overcomplicate it. Wang Yuan and Bai Xiu are experts in this field—let them handle it. As deputy leader, you shouldn’t micromanage everything."

"But—" Shangguan Qianqian hesitated.

An Yi cut her off firmly. "No ‘buts.’ We’ve been reorganizing for two days already. Tonight’s victory banquet is important, and you, the superstar, have a key role to play."

Studying her, he added sincerely, "Qianqian, you’ve been working too hard lately. Look how thin you’ve gotten."

"I’m busy right now."

Shangguan Qianqian saw right through him and sighed.

"Come on, the war’s over. Can’t you take a break?" An Yi shamelessly pressed.

This woman was hailed as Daxia’s most beautiful, her looks dominating social media rankings year after year.

And since the Hongtian Secret Realm, he hadn’t had a chance to get close.

As An Yi leaned in with a roguish grin, a faint blush crept onto Shangguan Qianqian’s usually cool, flawless face.

"Then… make it quick," she muttered.

"Quick?"

An Yi shook his head. "Impossible."

Shangguan Qianqian shot him a glare—only for his large hands to settle on her slender waist.

Just as they drew closer, An Yi suddenly remembered something.

"Wait!"

He grabbed his phone and dialed his rebellious disciple.

Fang Jueming’s voice came through. "Master, you called?"

"Where are you?" An Yi demanded.

"I’m back in Yunzhou. Got here yesterday at eight—"

Before he could finish, An Yi hung up.

"All clear. No interruptions now," he declared solemnly.

Shangguan Qianqian: "…?"

Before she could process his actions, An Yi’s deft hands were already at work.

"Wait—!"

"Nn—ah! Not from behind!"

Nightfall.

Asura Island’s sky blazed with fireworks.

Vibrant bursts of light painted the velvety darkness in dazzling hues.

Cheers and revelry echoed across the vast island.

"Old Bai, look! Tits—hot, fresh tits everywhere!"

Liu Dachao and Qin Shan dragged a drowsy Bai Xiu over excitedly.

Around a bonfire, the Rose Hall girls—tall, leggy, and dressed in skimpy outfits—performed a sultry dance, drawing whistles and applause.

Soon, the curvaceous blondes of the Mammoth Corps joined in.

The crowd’s testosterone spiked.

One particularly bold dancer, caught in the moment, winked and flung her bra into the audience—sending the atmosphere into overdrive.

Rose facepalmed, dragging the audacious girl offstage.

Meanwhile, former rockstar-turned-gangsters from 16K, slicked-back hair gleaming, belted out Vietnamese rock anthems to a hyped crowd.

Gene the Mechanic, Kevin the Gunslinger, Mo Jiu, and the Mammoth Corps’ heavy drinkers engaged in a drinking contest.

Spurred by onlookers, they abandoned glasses and chugged straight from bottles.

Han Liang was already wasted, hugging King Taishan and slurring, "Are you Zhang Fei or Li Kui?"

Nearby, Hu swayed drunkenly, weeping at the sight of the Black and White Impermanence envoys, convinced he’d broken his vows and drunk himself to death.

"Hey kid, you a man or not? Quit sipping like a girl!" A slick-backed-haired member of the Righteous Faction laughed at Xiao Yike’s hesitant drinking.

Xiao Yike flushed. "Screw you! Fill my cup—I’ll show you how it’s done!!"

Amid the chaotic, raucous celebration, Chen Bing sipped his drink and smirked.

"Hiding here alone?"

Lin Chen replied coolly, "I don’t do crowds."

Chen Bing chuckled. "The Asura Sect’s finally taking shape. Gathering this many oddballs in such a short time is impressive."

"Lin! Get out here!"

Kim Jung-ho, emboldened by alcohol, brandished his three-section staff. "I’ll prove my staff’s better than yours!"

A vein throbbed on Lin Chen’s forehead.

"Haha, no way you’re taking that!"

"Chen, wreck him!"

The crowd egged them on.

"Lin Chen! Lin Chen!"

The Rose Hall girls cheered, their movements—and assets—swaying enthusiastically.

Cold, handsome, powerful, and untouchable—in Hong Kong, the Grim Reaper Lin Chen was every female warrior’s fantasy.

Chen Bing chuckled and said, "Go on, join the fun. Let these guys see what the second-in-command of the Asura Sect is made of."

"Boring!"

Lin Chen unsheathed the Cloud-Rending Staff, the air around him rippling with energy. "Bring it on."