First Student Came Out of Ming Jie City
First Student Came Out of Ming Jie City
In 1990, between Hong Kong and Beijing lay a forgotten city scarred by war. During the war, countless thugs had fought alongside the government in exchange for the promise of freedom. Years of bloodshed hardened them into fearless men who knew nothing but violence. When peace finally arrived, they refused to surrender their weapons. Instead, they turned them toward the city itself, seizing territory and proclaiming themselves its kings.
Power soon shifted from the government into the hands of these ruthless men. Armed with wealth extorted from the public and protected by corrupt officials, they built their own Halls and carved the city into territories. Though Ming Jie remained under Hong Kong's administration on paper, everyone knew the truth—the city belonged to the triads.
Hong Kong, Beijing, and even the British government attempted to restore order more than once. Every effort ended the same way. The gangs resisted with overwhelming brutality, refusing to surrender the city they had claimed with blood. After years of endless conflict, all three powers finally abandoned the tiny land. It was so insignificant that it did not even appear on the world's map as an independent city.
With no authority left to challenge them, the triads flourished. Illegal Halls rose across every district, each expanding its influence through violence and fear. Eventually, the gangs gave the city a new name—Ming Jie (冥界), the Underworld. It was a name that perfectly reflected what the city had become.
Corruption ruled every corner of Ming Jie. Weapon manufacturing, gambling houses, drug dens, brothels, unlicensed clinics, stores and restaurants, every imaginable illegal trade operated openly. Hidden from the outside world, the city became the largest "white powder" distribution hub in the Asia-Pacific region—a paradise for gangs and criminal syndicates.
Military officers remained stationed within the city, but only in name. From the lowest-ranking officer to those at the highest level, nearly every one of them accepted bribes from the triads. Justice had long been sold to the highest bidder.
Ming Jie covered less than five square kilometers, yet nearly fifty thousand people were crammed into hundreds of aging buildings and towering concrete blocks. More than three-quarters of the city consisted of filthy slums where families fought daily against hunger, poverty, and disease. The remaining quarter belonged to the triads—modern office towers, luxurious headquarters, lavish nightclubs, and businesses that served as legal fronts for their underground empire. While the rulers of the Underworld enjoyed wealth beyond imagination, the common people struggled merely to see another sunrise.
Among the countless Halls that controlled Ming Jie, one name inspired fear more than any other.
Jin Rou Yi.
Jin Rou Yi stood at the very peak of the Underworld as the Big Boss of Jin Qi Hall.
He was infamous for his ruthless methods, fearless nature, and overwhelming strength. His signature weapon was a black pistol engraved with a soaring eagle—a gift from his elder sister, Jin Fei Xu, the rightful Eagle Head Boss of Jin Qi Hall. Anyone foolish enough to provoke Jin Rou Yi rarely lived to regret it.
There was only one thing he hated more than betrayal.
Drugs.
The mere mention of them was enough to darken his expression.
Within Jin Qi Hall, the title of Big Boss ranked directly below the Eagle Head Boss and above the Deputy Hall Master. Every business operating under the Hall ultimately answered to Jin Rou Yi. Whether it was the smallest street affair or the largest underground operation, nothing escaped his authority.
Yet his reputation was not built upon status alone.
In terms of martial arts, only one man in all of Ming Jie surpassed him.
That man was Jin Qiang—the true master of Jin Qi Hall, father of Jin Fei Xu, and Rou Yi's master.
Jin Qiang personally trained Rou Yi in kung fu and swordsmanship. By the time Rou Yi reached adulthood, he had become second only to Jin Qiang himself. Across the whole of Ming Jie, no one dared claim the second position, let alone challenge for the first.
However, strength alone was not what made Jin Rou Yi the most terrifying man in the city.
When life and death were decided in a single moment, no one cared about martial arts styles or elegant techniques. What truly mattered was possessing a black heart and ruthless hands—hands willing to kill without hesitation, even if it meant sacrificing your own life in the process.
That was the true law of triads.
Five years earlier, when Jin Rou Yi was only nineteen, Jin Mansion suffered the bloodiest attack in its history.
Armed with nothing but his martial arts, his master's teachings, and the Eagle Pistol gifted to him by Jin Fei Xu, Rou Yi fought alone through wave after wave of enemies. Every corridor became a battlefield. Every room echoed with screams. Blood splattered across walls.
By the time he reached the inner residence... Jin Qiang, the Eagle Head Boss of Jin Qi Hall, had already died.
He rescued Jin Fei Xu but the attack left her gravely injured and permanently confined to a wheelchair. Rou Yi himself barely escaped with his life, his body covered in wounds from countless blades.
The once-proud Jin Mansion became a symbol of tragedy. Its blood-soaked halls earned it the name Ghost House, while people called it a place cursed by bad karma. No one dared step inside, and the mansion remained sealed forever.
With Jin Qiang gone, the nineteen-year-old Jin Rou Yi became Big Boss and Jin Fei Xu, Eagle Head Boss of Jin Qi Hall.
That day also marked the beginning of what the Underworld would forever remember as...
The Black Day of the Underworld.
Even after five years, the people of Ming Jie still remembered the massacre that turned the city crimson and gave birth to the legend of Jin Rou Yi.
Despite the fear his name inspired throughout Ming Jie, Jin Rou Yi lived by one unwavering principle.
Never interfered in another gang's affairs unless they crossed into his territory or threatened his people.
Killing was never his hobby—it was simply the price others paid for crossing his bottom line. The person he treasured most was his one and only sister, Jin Fei Xu.
Under his command, countless businesses operated throughout Ming Jie. Weapon manufacturing and delivery, gambling houses, brothels, nightclubs, and money laundering generated enormous profits for Jin Qi Hall.
Yet everyone also knew one unbreakable rule. Jin Rou Yi hated drugs.
No matter how profitable they made, anyone who spread them inside his territory became his enemy.
That morning, a black sedan rolled to a stop before a modern office building bearing the sign of a well-known toy manufacturing company. On paper, it produced children's toys. Behind its respectable image, however, it served as Jin Qi Hall's headquarters for money laundering and the production of illegal firearms.
The moment Jin Rou Yi stepped out of the car, every guard standing at the entrance straightened their backs and bowed respectfully.
"Big Boss!"
Behind him, Wen Ying strode forward with an utterly miserable-looking man dangling from one hand by the back of his collar. The burly fellow, sporting badly dyed blond hair, kicked and flailed his legs like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum.
"Boss Rou Yi, please let me go!" he cried with tears streaming down his face while desperately clutching Wen Ying's wrist. "I was only following orders! I'm innocent! I swear!"
"Shut up, you useless freak!" Wen Ying's face darkened.
He gave the man a rough shake, causing him to squeal before hanging limply again.
Without sparing either of them a glance, Rou Yi continued walking toward the entrance.
One of the lackeys immediately stepped forward, respectfully offering him a cigar with both hands.
Rou Yi accepted it without a word and casually tilted his head, the lackey quickly lit it.
A smoke drifted from Rou Yi's lips as he continued walking.
"Big Boss Rou Yi," the lackey reported seriously following him, "the Elders and Ma Gang leader Ma Pang are already waiting inside."
"Hmm."
Receiving only that single response, the lackey hurriedly pushed open the meeting room doors.
The spacious conference room was furnished in understated luxury. A long oval table occupied the center, surrounded by black leather chairs. At the head of the table sat Elder Fu Jian Yu and Elder Shi Zi Hao, while Shi Zi Hao's son, Shi Tan Xin—Jin Fei Xu's husband—sat beside his father. Ma Pang and his four men sat one side of the table.
Jin Rou Yi walked straight to the first seat other side of the table and calmly sat down, crossing one leg over the other.
Wen Ying dragged the blond-haired man into the room, throwing him onto the floor and with a respectful bow, he stepped outside.
The poor man instantly dropped to his knees before Ma Pang, tears streaming down his face.
"Boss... Boss, save me..."
Before he could grab his leg— Ma Pang's foot slammed into his stomach.
"Get away, you piece of shit!"
The man rolled across the polished floor with a pitiful howl before scrambling back up, clutching his stomach. Bent over in pain, he hobbled behind Ma Pang while trying not to cry too loudly.
Ma Pang ignored him completely and fixed his furious gaze on Jin Rou Yi.
"Dare to glaring at me!" His face darkened. "Think you can scare me?"
Rou Yi leisurely took another puff of his cigar before meeting his eyes. A cold smirk slowly spread across his lips.
"Want to find out?"
"You bastard!"
"Enough."
Elder Fu Jian Yu's deep voice instantly silenced the room.
Ma Pang reluctantly swallowed his anger before turning toward the Elder.
"I respect you, Elder Jian Yu. That's why I came here first instead of settling this myself." His voice remained stern. "This time, Rou Yi crossed the line. He destroyed my drug business."
Rou Yi's expression turned icy.
"He crossed the line first by delivering drugs into my territory."
His sharp gaze shifted toward the blond-haired man trembling behind Ma Pang.
"Speak!"
The man immediately dropped to his knees.
"B-Boss Ma ordered me to spread drugs in Boss Rou Yi's territory... to provo—"
—To provoke Jin Rou Yi.
His confession never reached the end.
Ma Pang kicked him so hard that he flew backward into the wall before collapsing onto the floor with a painful cry.
Clutching both his stomach and aching shoulder, the poor man crawled into a corner, too frightened to make another sound.
"So what if I did?" Ma Pang snorted.
Before Rou Yi could answer, Shi Tan Xin spoke first.
"Drugs bring the greatest profit in our business." He folded his arms confidently. "If Ma Pang is helping Jin Qi Hall earn more money, what's wrong with that?"
The room fell silent.
Rou Yi slowly turned his head toward him. His cold eyes alone caused the atmosphere to freeze.
"Say that again, even if you're Sister Fei Xu's husband... I won't let it slide."
"Jin Rou Yi!" Shi Tan Xin shot to his feet in fury.
"Enough."
Elder Shi Zi Hao calmly stopped his son before looking toward Rou Yi.
"Rou Yi, Jin Qiang treated you as his own son, and Fei Xu has always regarded you as her real brother. That doesn't mean you can interfere in another gang's affairs whenever you please."
Rou Yi didn't even look at him. Instead, he turned directly toward Elder Fu Jian Yu.
"Uncle Jian Yu." His tone softened slightly. "Everyone knows my rule. If other gangs don't interfere in my territory, I won't even bother looking at their business."
Being completely ignored, Shi Zi Hao's face stiffened with suppressed anger, but he quietly sat back down.
"Ma Pang, you heard him." " After a long silence, Elder Fu Jian Yu slowly rose from his chair. His calm voice carried unquestionable authority.
"But Elder Jian Yu—" Ma Pang protest further.
Fu Jian Yu raised a hand, cutting him off.
"Rou Yi has led Jin Qi Hall to greater prosperity than ever before during these past five years. His authority stands directly below us Elders and Eagle Head Boss Jin Fei Xu."
He paused before delivering the final declaration. "His decision stands."
The room fell deathly silent.
Ma Pang clenched his fists so tightly that the veins on his forehead bulged.
"...Fine." After a long moment, he finally spat out one word through gritted teeth.
He turned sharply and stormed toward the door. His men hurried after him.
The blond-haired crybaby awkwardly chasing after his boss while clutching both his stomach and shoulder. Halfway there, he tripped over his own feet, caught himself at the last second, then limped out of the room.
"Elder Jian Yu." Shi Tan Xin stood once more, glaring hatefully at Rou Yi.
Rou Yi with a faint, mocking smirk, taking another slow puff of his cigar.
"One day... you'll regret giving him this much power."
Shi Zi Hao reached out to stop his son, but Shi Tan Xin brushed his hand aside and he stormed out.
Once the room had quieted, he rose from his seat and gave Elder Fu Jian Yu a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Uncle Jian Yu."
"I believe in you, Rou Yi." Fu Jian Yu smiled gently and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Rou Yi gave a slight nod before his called men to escort the two Elders to their cars.
With his cigar still between his fingers, he walked leisurely toward the building's entrance, quietly whistling.
Wen Ying immediately signaled the men waiting nearby.
"Bring the car for Big Boss!"
Two lackeys sprinted toward the parking area and quickly drove the black sedan to the entrance before Rou Yi even reached the doors.
Wen Ying hurried forward and respectfully opened the rear door.
Rou Yi slipped into the back seat, leaning comfortably against the leather seat as another curl of cigar smoke drifted from his lips.
"Big Boss," Wen Ying asked after closing the door, "where should we head?"
"Hill Villa," Rou Yi said without even glancing at him.
"Understood, Big Boss."
Without asking another question, Wen Ying started the engine and drove away toward Hill Villa.
The black sedan came to a smooth stop outside the gates of Hill Villa.
Before Wen Ying could step out to open the door, Jin Rou Yi had already pushed it open himself.
"Move the car," he instructed calmly as he adjusted his coat. "Don't leave it at the entrance. Shi Tan Xin has men watching this villa day and night."
"Understood, Big Boss."
Wen Ying immediately drove the car away while Rou Yi walked through the quiet courtyard alone.
The villa was peaceful, standing on a little hill. The soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the silence surrounding the estate made it difficult to believe it belonged to the Ming Jie City.
Rou Yi climbed the stairs without haste, ignored the servants until he stopped outside a familiar room and he knocked the door.
"Come in." A gentle voice answered from inside.
Rou Yi pushed open the door.
Inside, Jin Fei Xu sat in her wheelchair beside the large window, warm sunlight resting softly across her gentle smile.
"Xiao Rou Yi."
The feared Big Boss of Jin Qi Hall immediately walked over and sat on the sofa opposite her.
"You argued with Tan Xin again, didn't you?" she asked softly, concern evident in her gentle eyes.
"Sorry, Sister Fei Xu." Rou Yi lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously fidgeting together like a child who had been caught doing something wrong.
Seeing his guilty expression, Fei Xu sighed helplessly.
"I know that coward would take his frustration out on you again." Rou Yi finally looked up, pain flickering across his usually cold eyes.
"He sided with Ma Pang and defended drug dealing." His voice grew colder.
For a brief moment, the room fell silent.
Fei Xu gently placed her hand over his restless fingers, stopping them from fidgeting.
"It's alright, Xiao Rou Yi." Her voice remained as gentle as ever. "I understand."
Rou Yi looked down at her hand without speaking.
"You know why I married Tan Xin." She smiled faintly, though it never reached her eyes.
"The Elders forced you." Rou Yi's brows knitted together.
"They claimed it would support me." She gave a quiet, self-mocking smile. "But in truth... it was only a way to control me."
Rou Yi clenched his fist. His eyes filled with guilt. If only he had arrived sooner five years ago. None of this would have happened.
As though sensing what he was thinking, Fei Xu squeezed his hand lightly.
"Don't blame yourself." She smiled warmly. "You are the most precious family I have left, my dearest little brother."
Rou Yi raised his head, their eyes met. No further words were needed. After a long silence, Fei Xu slowly looked outside the window.
"I hope that one day drugs disappear from Ming Jie forever." A quiet sigh escaped her lips. "I want everyone to receive an education, earn an honest living, children grow up without fearing gang wars so that they can live ordinary lives."
Her voice carried regret.
"We've spent years building schools for our own men," she continued quietly. "We wanted them to learn how to read and write, to understand more than violence."
Rou Yi frowned deeply. "Those unruly thugs bullied every teacher we hired and scared them away before the second day. I failed you, Sister Fei Xu."
"No, it's not your failure." She immediately shook her head. "We simply haven't found the right person who doesn't teach only for money but genuinely wants to change people."
Her words slowly faded as she fell into deep thought. Several moments passed. Suddenly she spoke again.
"I remember now, three years ago..." Fei Xu said thoughtfully, "Chen Min told me that Ming Jie produced its very first university student. He earned a scholarship through his own ability."
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I even remember Chen Min saying his father was so happy that he handed out sweet rice cakes on the street for three whole days."
The room became quiet once more. Rou Yi turned his head toward the window, silently staring at the distant skyline.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Sister Fei Xu." He stayed silent for a long time.
"I want you to find him." Her voice carried both a request and an order.
Rou Yi closed his eyes briefly before rubbing his temples in resignation. Once his sister made up her mind. No one could change it.
"...Alright, "I'll find him, Sister Fei Xu." He slowly stood from the sofa.
"Thank you, Xiao Rou Yi." A genuine smile bloom across Jin Fei Xu's face.
Rou Yi climbed back into the car parked some distance from Hill Villa.
Wen Ying sensed his boss's conflicted mood and wisely remained silent.
"Find the university student came out of Ming Jie three years ago. His father even handed out sweet rice cakes for three days." Rou Yi frowned and lit a cigar.
"Understood, Big Boss." Wen Ying nodded firmly.
Somewhere in Ming Jie, a poor university student had no idea his peaceful life was about to collide with the most feared man in the Underworld.
Author's Note
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— Xiao Fu Rong
