Overclocked City

Wang Fatty's face went white as a sheet at the sight of the newcomer, his legs trembling so violently he nearly collapsed. His lips quivered, barely able to form the words, "Hei… Hei Hu…"

Hei Hu?! Chen Mo's mind stirred. He wasn't unfamiliar with the name. Before arriving, he'd thoroughly investigated Wang Fatty's background, learning he was a mid-level lieutenant in the Black Tiger Gang, the city's largest underground organization. For years, they'd held sway, their influence deeply rooted, tentacles reaching into gambling, drugs, smuggling, and every other shady corner of society. Their crimes were too numerous to list.

Hei Hu himself was a legendary figure, a name that struck fear into the hearts of the city's inhabitants—a ruthless and decisive warlord. Rumor had it he was a former special forces ace, who, after retiring, entered the underworld. His exceptional skills and merciless nature propelled him to the top, making him the city's underground emperor. Chen Mo had anticipated encountering Hei Hu eventually; he just hadn't expected it here, and so soon.

"Hei… Hei Hu Brother, you… you're here?" Wang Fatty stammered, his voice shaking like leaves in a gale, barely containing his terror. He cast a desperate, pleading glance at Chen Mo, as if silently begging for help.

The dull thud of leather shoes on the concrete floor announced a tall figure slowly emerging from the doorway. In the dim light, only the outline of his black trench coat and the stark silhouette beneath his black fedora were visible. A suffocating pressure filled the air, everyone's breath seeming to catch in their throats. Even the hum of the servers seemed to lower in volume, as if anticipating the impending storm.

Ignoring Wang Fatty, Hei Hu walked directly to Chen Mo, surveying him from head to toe like a cheetah assessing its prey. His gaze was deep and sharp, a playful smile curving his lips, carrying a hint of danger. He moved with a predatory grace, his every step deliberate and precise.

"You are Chen Mo?" Hei Hu's voice was low and gravelly, yet possessed an undeniable authority, a whisper from the underworld. The sound of his voice seemed to vibrate in the very air.

"That's right," Chen Mo replied, standing firm, calmly tapping ash from his cigarette, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. His gaze was unwavering, meeting Hei Hu's sharp stare without flinching. He exuded an aura entirely different from Wang Fatty's—calm, composed, yet brimming with immense power. The faint hum of his robotic arm hinted at the battle to come. He was ready.

The air in the server room seemed to solidify. Only the hum of the servers, like an overture to the impending conflict, broke the silence. The tension was palpable, suffocating. Between Chen Mo and Hei Hu, an invisible battlefield formed, poised on the brink of war. The very air crackled with anticipation.

"I hear you're quite the fighter," Hei Hu continued, his tone a mixture of probing and admiration, as if appraising a powerful prey. He circled Chen Mo slowly, his eyes never leaving his face.

"So-so," Chen Mo replied nonchalantly, as if discussing a trivial matter. This composure only piqued Hei Hu's interest. He was enjoying the game of cat and mouse.

"Ho ho, interesting," Hei Hu chuckled, a chill underlying his laughter. "I'll give you a chance. Submit to me, and I'll spare your life." He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air.

A mocking smile touched Chen Mo's lips, his eyes filled with disdain. "Submit to you? What are you, something that deserves my submission?" His tone was calm, yet each word struck like a hammer blow. He exhaled a plume of smoke, his eyes never wavering from Hei Hu's.

"You… you're asking for death!" Hei Hu exploded with rage. He hadn't expected such audacious defiance from this young man, such blatant contempt! Murderous intent flashed in his eyes, like a volcano on the verge of eruption. His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating fury.

"Get him! Kill him!" Hei Hu's command was like a death sentence. The dozen men in black behind him lunged at Chen Mo like trained hounds, their weapons glinting coldly in the dim light, the heavy scent of blood filling the air.

Yet, Chen Mo remained motionless, standing like a solitary pine in a storm, weathering the onslaught…