Rebirth Immortal-Chapter 61: A New Order

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The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the city skyline. In the heart of the business district, Zhao Ming sat in his office, his gaze fixed on the view outside. The past few nights had been chaotic, but now, everything had settled. The last remnants of Zhao Tian's empire were gone. The hidden fortune had been secured, and Ma Kun's rebellion had been crushed.

Now, it was time to rebuild.

Ye Chen entered the room, holding a tablet. "The cleanup is complete. We wiped all traces of Zhao Tian's operations. His offshore accounts are under our control, and his former allies either surrendered or disappeared."

Zhao Ming nodded. "Good. And the businesses?"

Wang Xian walked in, stretching his arms. "All his companies are in our hands now. A few executives are trying to resist, but they'll fall in line soon enough."

Zhao Ming smirked. "They have no choice."

With Zhao Tian gone, his former empire had no leader. The power vacuum had created instability, but Zhao Ming had moved quickly. He had absorbed Zhao Tian's assets, secured his connections, and crushed anyone who opposed him. Now, the underground world belonged to him.

But power wasn't just about force. It was about control.

"Bring me the key figures," Zhao Ming ordered. "The businessmen, the politicians, the influential people who worked with Zhao Tian. I want to make things clear to them."

Ye Chen nodded. "Already arranged. They'll be here by noon."

By noon, the conference room was filled with a tense atmosphere. Seated around the long table were high-ranking businessmen, politicians, and former associates of Zhao Tian. Some looked calm, others nervous, but all of them understood one thing—Zhao Ming was now in charge.

Zhao Ming walked in, his presence commanding silence. He took his seat at the head of the table, folding his hands.

"Gentlemen," he said smoothly. "You all worked under Zhao Tian before. Some of you were loyal to him, while others simply followed out of necessity." He leaned forward. "But Zhao Tian is gone. And I'm not here to repeat his mistakes."

A businessman cleared his throat. "Mr. Zhao, with all due respect, what exactly do you want from us?"

Zhao Ming smiled. "Loyalty."

The room fell silent.

"I'm not here to run things the way Zhao Tian did," Zhao Ming continued. "His greed made enemies. His arrogance made him blind. I don't intend to make the same mistakes." His gaze sharpened. "But make no mistake—this city belongs to me now. And I expect cooperation."

An older man, a veteran politician, adjusted his glasses. "And if someone refuses?"

Zhao Ming's smile didn't fade. "Then they can leave. Or be removed."

The message was clear.

One of the businessmen exhaled slowly. "We're willing to cooperate, Mr. Zhao. But what changes should we expect?"

Zhao Ming leaned back. "For one, stability. Zhao Tian's reckless actions drew too much attention. That ends now. We'll run things cleanly. No unnecessary violence, no sloppy work. Businesses will thrive, and those who play by the rules will benefit."

A few men exchanged glances, relief flickering in their eyes. Zhao Tian had ruled with fear, but Zhao Ming was offering something different—order.

"And those who don't play by the rules?" one man asked cautiously.

Zhao Ming's expression darkened. "Then they'll regret it."

The meeting ended shortly after, and one by one, the men left. Some left with hope, others with fear. But none dared to challenge him.

As the last man exited, Wang Xian chuckled. "Well, that went smoothly."

Ye Chen smirked. "They know they have no better option."

Zhao Ming stood. "Good. Now, let's move on to the next step."

Later that evening, Zhao Ming met with an old acquaintance—Liu Cheng, one of the city's most influential media moguls.

Liu Cheng was a shrewd man, his wealth built on controlling information. If there was a scandal, a political move, or an underground deal happening in the city, he knew about it.

He sat across from Zhao Ming in a private lounge, sipping his tea. "I must say, Mr. Zhao, you've made quite an impact in a short time."

Zhao Ming smirked. "I don't waste time."

Liu Cheng set his cup down. "So, what do you want from me?"

"Control," Zhao Ming answered simply. "Zhao Tian was careless. He let the media work against him. That won't happen under my rule."

Liu Cheng chuckled. "You want me to clean your image?"

Zhao Ming's expression didn't change. "I want you to control the narrative. Make sure the city sees what I want them to see."

Liu Cheng studied him for a moment. "And in return?"

Zhao Ming leaned forward. "Power. Influence. Protection." His voice was steady. "Work with me, and you'll never have to worry about competition again."

Liu Cheng tapped his fingers on the table, considering. Then he smiled. "I like the way you think, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Ming extended his hand. Liu Cheng shook it.

The deal was sealed.

That night, Zhao Ming stood on the balcony of his penthouse, gazing at the city below. The skyline glittered with lights, a sea of power and ambition.

He had come a long way.

From a man working in the shadows to the ruler of the underground world.

But he knew this was only the beginning.

True power wasn't just about taking control—it was about keeping it.

The city moved forward under Zhao Ming's control. The underworld had stabilized, businesses were thriving, and those who opposed him had either submitted or vanished. But Zhao Ming knew power was not something to be taken for granted. It had to be maintained, reinforced, and expanded.

Seated in his office, Zhao Ming reviewed a report Ye Chen had brought him earlier that morning. It contained details of rival forces still lurking in the shadows—small groups that had yet to recognize his authority. They were weak compared to Zhao Tian's former empire, but any uncontrolled force was a potential threat.

Ye Chen stood across the desk, arms crossed. "The biggest problem right now is the remnants of Ma Kun's men. Some have disappeared, but a few are regrouping in the west side of the city."

Wang Xian, lounging on the couch, smirked. "They don't know when to quit."

Zhao Ming set the report down. "We need to handle them before they become a real problem. Who's leading them?"

Ye Chen flipped through his notes. "A man named Hu Jie. He used to be one of Ma Kun's top enforcers. Not very smart, but ruthless. He's been gathering Ma Kun's leftovers and trying to claim territory."

Zhao Ming tapped his fingers against the desk. "Then we send a message."

Wang Xian stretched. "Want me to pay them a visit?"

Zhao Ming shook his head. "Not yet. Let's handle this strategically. We'll cut off their supply lines first. No weapons, no funds, no influence. Once they're weak, they'll either surrender or destroy themselves."

Ye Chen nodded. "I'll take care of it."

Zhao Ming smirked. "Good. Let's see how long Hu Jie lasts without support."

Three days later, Hu Jie's forces were already crumbling. Without money, they couldn't pay their men. Without weapons, they couldn't defend their stolen territories. Zhao Ming had cut them off from suppliers, bribed their remaining connections, and spread rumors that Hu Jie was weak.

By the fourth day, chaos erupted within their ranks. Some men fled, others turned on Hu Jie, hoping to escape Zhao Ming's wrath.

That night, Hu Jie barricaded himself in a small warehouse on the outskirts of the city. He had a handful of men left, all nervous, all armed. They knew it was only a matter of time before Zhao Ming came for them.

A loud crash echoed through the warehouse as the metal doors were kicked open.

Wang Xian stepped in first, a grin on his face. "Well, well, looks like you're out of luck, Hu Jie."

Hu Jie's hands tightened around his gun. "You think I'll go down without a fight?"

Zhao Ming walked in behind Wang Xian, calm as ever. "No, I think you'll go down either way. The only difference is how much pain you suffer before it happens."

Hu Jie swallowed. He was outnumbered, outmatched. But he still had his pride. "You think killing me will solve your problems?"

Zhao Ming smirked. "Who said I was going to kill you?"

Hu Jie's face twisted in confusion.

Zhao Ming stepped closer. "You're not worth killing. But you are useful. You still have men, knowledge of Ma Kun's old operations. Work for me, and I might let you live."

Hu Jie hesitated. He had expected death, not an offer.

Wang Xian leaned in. "Or, you can keep that gun in your hand and die like a fool. Your choice."

The room was silent.

Then Hu Jie slowly lowered his weapon. "...What do you need me to do?"

Zhao Ming smiled. "That's more like it."

With Hu Jie under control, Zhao Ming had erased the last traces of Ma Kun's rebellion. Now, the real work could begin.

Sitting in his penthouse, Zhao Ming met with Liu Cheng once again. The media mogul looked pleased. "Your influence is spreading fast, Mr. Zhao. The business world is adapting, and the city's power structure has shifted in your favor."

Zhao Ming took a sip of his tea. "Good. But I need more."

Liu Cheng raised an eyebrow. "More?"

Zhao Ming leaned forward. "I want full dominance. Control over everything—media, politics, trade. I want this city in the palm of my hand."

Liu Cheng chuckled. "That kind of power doesn't come easily."

Zhao Ming smirked. "Nothing worthwhile ever does."

He had already conquered the underworld. Now, he was setting his sights on the world above.