Fists that can subdue mountains and rivers, martial arts that can lead to immortality!

The Grand Meeting of the Canal Carriers.

This is the most important event for the canal gangs every year.

Summarize the gains and losses of the year and readjust the allocation of territory.

Those who perform meritorious service will be rewarded, and those who commit wrongdoing will be punished.

Among them were special envoys sent by various warlords to listen in.

It was ostensibly an observation session, but in reality, it was a form of supervision.

Before leaving, they took with them a share of the benefits that belonged to them.

"Jiang Wangzu is here!"

At the Grand Canal Gang meeting, a voice, neither too loud nor too soft, rang out.

Jiang Wangzu arrived at the Cao Gang meeting with twelve subordinates who had reached the Great Perfection of Strength and more than one hundred elite confidants who had reached the Lesser Perfection of Strength.

Jiang Wangzu wore a custom-made trench coat, expensive Western leather boots, and a black formal hat. His steps were steady, and his aura was imposing.

Behind him were more than a hundred henchmen, all dressed in standard black suits, with fierce appearances, imposing physiques, and bulging waists, exuding an aura of authority that inspired fear.

"Jiang Wangzu, that little scoundrel, has gotten incredibly strong now!"

Wearing an old-fashioned long gown and sporting a mustache, Cao Rongsheng, the Third Master Cao, couldn't help but whisper something to the person beside him when he saw Jiang Wangzu arrive.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Wangzu overheard these words.

Jiang Wangzu has now achieved a minor breakthrough in his Qi and blood, and his five senses are keenly sharp. He can be described as having eyes that see in all directions and ears that hear in all directions.

He merely glanced in the direction where Cao Rongsheng was, but said nothing.

Just an old-fashioned dish.

If we really offend him, we can save face for him tonight!

"Ah Zu, you look really dashing today!"

Just then, Dai Qinghe, the sixth master, walked towards Jiang Wangzu with a smile, holding a gold-inlaid cane and wearing a dark red new Chinese-style cotton coat.

Zhao Cheng served as his personal bodyguard, following closely behind him.

"Sixth Master is truly radiant!"

"I prepared some New Year's gifts for Sixth Master and have already sent someone to deliver them to his residence."

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, Sixth Master, please don't find it offensive."

Jiang Wangzu responded with a low voice and a smile.

"Oh, how could I possibly complain!"

"Everyone knows you, my great-grandfather, are very generous. I absolutely love this gold-inlaid dragon-head cane you gave me!"

"Ah Zu, you're so thoughtful."

Dai Qinghe shook the gold-inlaid dragon-head cane in his hand and said with a smile.

"Sixth Master, Boss Jiang, the gang leader and his advisor have arrived."

Zhao Cheng offered a reminder.

"Oh, the conference is about to begin, Grandpa, let's take our seats!"

Upon hearing this, Dai Qinghe nodded and took a seat with Jiang Wangzu.

Of course, Dai Qinghe was the executive elder, and he sat in front of the stage.

The first three rows below are elders of the Canal Gang, whose identities span all walks of life in Shanghai.

Jiang Wangzu sat in the third seat of the fourth row, which was quite close to the front.

The men around him were all very senior leaders of the Grand Canal Gang.

This even included several people who were running alongside him for the position of elder of the Grand Canal Gang.

However, his position as the elder of the canal gang was basically already decided internally, and they couldn't compete with him.

As for how many elders will be promoted this year, that depends on the leader and the executive elders.

The number varies from year to year; sometimes there are two or three, sometimes three or five, and sometimes none at all.

After all, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can become an elder of the Canal Gang; one must make significant contributions to the gang to qualify.

"Everyone!"

Standing in the center of the stage, Xu Shanyue, dressed in a brand-new black suit, spoke softly.

The sound wasn't loud, but it carried throughout the entire venue and reached everyone's ears.

These are naturally some minor techniques for applying force.

Everyone turned to look at the front of the stage.

"Fellow members of the shipping guild!"

"Today, the entire Canal Transport Gang, including elders, leaders, deacons, and brothers, are gathered here, demonstrating the unity and unwavering loyalty of our gang!"

"On behalf of the gang, I thank all the brothers!"

"In today's world, warlords are fighting each other, foreigners are invading, society is in chaos, and people are suffering."

"Shanghai is a melting pot of various forces, deeply entrenched and intertwined."

"Our brothers in the canal gang are struggling to make a living, and the development of the gang is even more difficult."

"But this chaotic world allows no weakness, and this martial world allows no cowardice!"

"In this chaotic world, only the strong can survive."

"Our canal gang has been established for hundreds of years, and we must not let it be destroyed in our generation."

"I earnestly hope that all my brothers will uphold the code of chivalry, protect our brothers, and bring glory to our Canal Gang!"

"Today's meeting is for discussing important matters. Brothers, please speak freely!"

Xu Shanyue said a few words briefly, and then sat down.

As the second-in-command of the Grand Canal Gang and the person who mainly took over many of the gang's businesses, Gu Changqing began to report on the gang's various expenditures and profits over the past year.

When the topic turned to the fact that the Never-Sleeping City dance hall had handed over 500,000 silver dollars in the past six months, many eyes fell on Jiang Wangzu.

Even the most formidable competitors among the elders around Jiang Wangzu couldn't help but take notice.

Jiang Wangzu is indeed a remarkable young man.

In terms of contributions, they really can't compare to him.

However, Jiang Wangzu's qualifications were far too shallow.

They may still have a chance.

After Gu Changqing finished explaining the overall income and expenditure of the Canal Gang, the remaining executive elders began to talk about the businesses they were in charge of.

Then the elders raised questions, and then praised and rewarded those middle-level leaders like Jiang Wangzu who had performed well.

Those middle managers who make a mess of things should be dismissed.

Next came the selection of the new elders of the Canal Gang.

"The proposal to appoint Jiang Wangzu, the person in charge of the Never-Sleeping City Dance Hall, as a new elder of the Cao Gang was jointly recommended by Xu Shanyue, the leader of the Cao Gang, Gu Changqing, the executive elder, and Dai Qinghe, the executive elder."

"Please have the seven standing elders raise their hands to vote!"

Xu Shanyue, Gu Changqing, and Dai Qinghe raised their hands together, but the remaining four executive elders kept their eyes down, seemingly unmoved.

"Four votes to three, the proposal is rejected!"

An elder from the Caobang (a secret society) who was acting as the host spoke up.

"etc!"

"I request that the vote be expanded to include all the elders!"

Xu Shanyue glanced at Gu Changqing, then raised his hand and spoke.

"The leader proposes expanding the voting process; now, all the elders will vote on the proposal collectively!"

"Those who agree to promote Jiang Wangzu to elder of the Canal Gang, please raise your hands to vote!"

The host said again.

"Boss, how about we start by asking a question?"

"Many people may not be familiar with Jiang Wangzu, a rising star of our canal gang."

"Why don't we take this opportunity to let Ah Zu show off and let everyone have a better impression of him?"

Cao Rongsheng glanced at Xu Shanyue, then said with a smile.

Xu Shanyue knew that this was Cao Rongsheng and the other three executive elders, who could also be described as the warlords behind them, engaging in a power struggle with him from afar.

Jiang Wangzu is too young, and he's from their faction.

If they were to be promoted to elders of the Canal Gang, it would undoubtedly make their faction even stronger.

This does not conform to the principle of checks and balances among factions within the Grand Canal Gang.

"Alright."

Xu Shanyue nodded upon hearing this, then glanced at Jiang Wangzu and said loudly:

"Then let's have Ah Zu step forward and answer the elders' questions, so that they can know what abilities he has to sit in the position of the Canal Gang elder."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wangzu nodded, stood up, and walked forward with a powerful stride, exuding an awe-inspiring presence and a dashing, heroic air that made it difficult for anyone to look directly at him.