I Can See Your Combat Power
Chapter 1652 - 93: Advance by Retreat_2

Chapter 1652: Chapter 93: Advance by Retreat_2

For these merchants, the fact that Unparalleled Academy is willing to re-establish the Five-turn Dragon Gate in Da Lin City is tremendous good news.

As organizations that had both funded and contributed efforts in the campaign against the Tang Clan in Longzhou, these council members and chairmen had not slept well since the return of the Void Grandmaster.

They had been constantly worried about possible retaliation from the Grandmaster after his seclusion, as everyone who occupies a seat within the Commerce Alliance represents a certain power.

Even if one is clean and upright personally, who can assure that their family and relatives are without blemish? According to the Grandmaster’s principles, one could face difficulties on the slightest pretext without a single case of injustice or error.

Now that Unparalleled City is willing to open the Dragon Gate in Da Lin City, these individuals see it as a signal that the Void Grandmaster is willing to let bygones be bygones.

Therefore, the main topic of discussion in the Commerce Alliance in recent days has been how to show the leaders of Unparalleled Academy the sincerity and enthusiasm of the Alliance, as well as their respect for the Void Grandmaster.

The reason it’s the main topic of discussion is that there are also some dissenting voices within the Alliance, such as Ye Qingcang, the chief executive of the Bounty Guild.

This once preeminent merchant representative in Da Lin City has drifted further and further onto the path of the aristocracy since establishing the Bounty Guild.

He actually sent a letter in response, rejecting the Academy’s proposal to set up the Dragon Gate in Da Lin City.

These words naturally provoked a fierce backlash and even warnings from the Congress of the Alliance.

"This is an important step for the Commerce Alliance to mend its relationship with the Void Grandmaster. Whoever obstructs this is making an enemy of the entire Alliance. Be warned!"

"Chairman Ye, please caution those warriors of the Bounty Guild; the Alliance might turn a blind eye to the petty commissions you undertake in secret on normal days, but if anyone dares to cause trouble at this juncture, don’t blame me for being ruthless!"

Ye Qingcang’s proposal was rejected by the parliament, and the final resolution of the Commerce Alliance was not beyond his expectations.

Merchants value profit and even more so, they value peace. How could they not be tempted by the prospect of mending relations with the Void Grandmaster?

However, Ye Qingcang understands that all this is just for show.

He is different from the Nong, He, and Liu clans. During the campaign against the Tang Clan, these three clans merely provided peripheral assistance and beat the drums.

The ones who truly played a central role, who provided both funding and delivered the fatal blow to the Tang Clan, were none other than the Evil King Palace and the Bounty Guild.

Now that the Evil King Palace has closed its gates and the Void Grandmaster has been confined, the roaring campaign against the Tang Clan seems over. But Ye Qingcang knows very well that the repercussions are far from settled.

The Unparalleled Academy is a strategy of the Void Grandmaster. Although Ye Qingcang does not know where the Academy’s killing weapon lies, he has a strong intuition that it is aimed at them.

But when he brought this up with the other chairmen in the Alliance, it was to little avail.

The shortsightedness of the merchants is fully displayed in this affair; the advice given in today’s council was Ye Qingcang’s last attempt, but it failed to resonate with anyone.

"Fools are not worthy of plotting with!"

As Ye Qingcang left in a huff, he clenched the ring on his thumb tightly, his face grim as he hurried back to the Bounty Guild.

Since the Commerce Alliance has passed the request of Unparalleled Academy, it means that the Five-turn Dragon Gate will definitely be reopened in Da Lin City. Soon, this place will become the focal point of Xiehe’s attention.

The so-called black market and secret guilds are, after all, things that should not see the light of day. The Bounty Guild has finally stepped into the sunlight with difficulty. If anything disgraceful happens at this juncture, their reputation will be completely ruined.

Not only would the Ye Family suffer, but the entire Da Lin Commerce Alliance would become a target for arrows from all sides.

Of course, as the current most important granary in Longzhou, the grievances of these loose cultivators and minor families need not be taken to heart.

But what about after the Void Grandmaster emerges from seclusion? Then, when he initiates his move, who will stand by the side of the Da Lin Commerce Alliance?

Ye Qingcang must involve himself in the internal affairs of the Bounty Guild to prevent this most dreadful event from happening.

Mounting his horse and taking to his carriage, this Ye Family head went directly to an underground black market in Da Lin City and, guided by his escort, headed towards what was once the subterranean palace.

Though termed a subterranean palace, this place is now ruins. The battle that erupted here several days ago resulted in heavy losses for the Bounty Guild.

The master of the Demon Slaughter Palace, single-handedly trying to stop a few Hunters from receiving Dark Flowers, sparked a massive battle. Outnumbered, the master of the Demon Slaughter Palace was gravely wounded and captured.

The Hunters also didn’t escape unscathed, with all bearing injuries, except for Chi Donglai, the master of Xiong Ya Mansion, who withdrew from the battleground due to his wounds.

Originally, Ye Qingcang stood with the Bounty Guild, since the conflict with the Void Grandmaster was almost irreconcilable. Instead of watching Unparalleled Academy create an overwhelming momentum with the Five-turn Dragon Gate, it was better to stop it early.

But now the situation has changed. Allowing these Hunters to continue wreaking havoc is quite literally a path to suicide.

"Master Chi!"

Ye Qingcang approached Chi Donglai and said indifferently, "Release the Master of Shentu."

"Given the Chairman’s request, this old man will certainly oblige, but not now."

Chi Donglai shook his head and said, "After we complete the plan to sabotage Dragon Gate, I will let Langya release Shentu."

"There is no more plan to sabotage Dragon Gate."

Ye Qingcang shook his head, his voice cold: "Red Cloud Mountain has sent word that the place where Dragon Gate is restarting is in Da Lin, and has asked the Commerce Alliance to prepare for its reception."

Chi Donglai showed his teeth, a fierce light swirling in his eyes, seemingly not expecting Unparalleled Academy to take such a step back to advance.

But his momentary concern of retreat was quickly dismissed; his injury could not be delayed any longer, he had reached a dead end.

"That’s just perfect."

Chi Donglai spoke in a chilly voice, "I was worrying about how to get through the outer defenses of Unparalleled City. Since they are coming to us, please have the Chairman arrange a location where I can lay out my plans in advance, and success is assured."

"Did you not hear me clearly, Master?!"

Ye Qingcang’s voice grew colder: "You cannot accept this secret mission, and there must be no involvement from the Bounty Guild!"

"Is the Chairman intending to interfere with the guild’s tasks?"

"It’s not interference, it’s a request!"

Ye Qingcang sighed, "Knowing that the Master is troubled by illness, the Commerce Alliance has already sent an envoy to invite a healer from Hundred Herbs Immortal Mansion. Why the rush?"

"Waiting for a response from Hundred Herbs Immortal Mansion, my body will have turned cold!"

Chi Donglai spoke coldly, "This secret mission, this old man is determined to take. Please, Chairman, you may leave."

"Master Chi, please don’t make this difficult for me."

Ye Qingcang’s eyes narrowed, concealing the killing intent, playing with the ring in his hand to adjust his breath, and said calmly, "The Commerce Alliance has decided, this matter concerns the interests of the entire alliance; we cannot afford any mistakes."

"What’s there to fear from a bunch of short-sighted businessmen."

Chi Donglai sneered, "If the Chairman feels pressed by these people, just let me know. Tonight, I can have Dragon Fang take action, ensuring no one dares to oppose you again."

The old fox, feigning ignorance while being all too aware.

Just as expected by those bastards, such a cautious and timid person, once facing a threat to their life, would throw caution to the wind and take desperate measures.

Ye Qingcang squinted, assessing this demon of great stature he had first persuaded, and tried again, "It was not without great effort that Xiong Ya Mansion has cleared its name through the battle against the Tang Clan, putting an end to all resentments. Now, the disciples of the Master in Da Lin City are also quite influential. If you take on this secret mission, you will have to go back into the darkness where there is no daylight. Have you really given it no further thought?"

"There is nothing to consider."

Chi Donglai stood with his hands behind his back, arrogantly stating, "Xiong Ya Mansion was established by my own hands; why would I need to discuss it with anyone else?"

"That’s truly... a pity."

Ye Qingcang shook his head, and in an instant, Chi Donglai found himself locked by several daunting soul-piercing auras of murderous intent.

"What does the Chairman mean by this?!"

Chi Donglai’s face darkened, his expression fierce.

"This is the will from above,"

Ye Qingcang gestured skyward with a spread hand, and said evenly, "It’s still not too late for the Master to change his mind."

"Change my mind?!"

Chi Donglai laughed loudly with a harsh voice, menacingly threatening, "Hahaha, just a few rotten fish and shrimp, aren’t you afraid that after I break out, I’ll rally my elite forces, and turn Da Lin City upside down!"

"Elite forces, you must be talking about Dragon Lord, right?"

Ye Qingcang shook his head and sighed, "Since the name has been mentioned, let Dragon Lord come out and respond to the Master directly."

From the darkness, a stern-faced Dragon Fang emerged, addressing the shocked and furious Chi Donglai, "Master, I do not wish to live in such precarious days any longer, not even one more day. After you are gone, Xiao Long will lead Xiong Ya Mansion well into the future!"