In the spacious assembly hall of Maple City, several figures sat, occasionally chatting and laughing. Graceful maidservants shuttled through the great hall, serving tea and water to the esteemed guests.
“Ha ha, Brother Xiao Lie, it’s all thanks to your idea of the elixir auction a while back. Now, the popularity of Maple City has risen to rank among the top three in the Black-Corner Region, even higher than when the Dark Alliance was in control.”
A rough voice rang out in the hall. The speaker was a man with a bare chest, on which was tattooed a ferocious lion roaring to the heavens. His appearance revealed him to be none other than the leader of the Rampaging Lion Gang, known as Ironwu.
As Ironwu’s laughter faded, the two other leaders seated beside him—of the Heavenly Shade Sect and the Lutador Faction—also nodded and smiled. In just three months, they had made more profit than in an entire half-year, all thanks to their cooperation with the “Xiao Sect”.
“Sect Leader Iron is too kind. We each have our own needs,” Xiao Lie said with a light smile from his position at the head seat upon hearing this.
Ironwu and the other two laughed, and then their gazes involuntarily turned to the three men in identical robes standing behind Xiao Lie. The three men, who appeared to be around thirty years old, had sullen faces. They bore a resemblance to one another, likely due to some blood relation. More importantly, the aura emanating from these three could be sensed by any keen observer; they were all formidable Dou Wangs.
“Ha ha, I didn’t expect Brother Xiao Lie to recruit the three Yao brothers. It really is something to envy, though many factions in the Black-Corner Region wouldn’t dare take them in due to their grudge with the Gold and Silver Elders. But the Xiao Sect is the only faction capable of such boldness today.”
The elder of the Heavenly Shade Sect, known as the Bone Elder, with a gloomy expression, glanced at the three men behind Xiao Lie and smiled. Xiao Lie just smiled and waved his hand, saying, “The three Yao brothers are not actually under my command, merely guests of the Xiao Sect.”
Ironwu and the others smirked inwardly but did not voice their doubts. These three were notoriously stubborn; if they didn’t come willingly, would they just stand there silently behind Xiao Lie like pillars?
The three Yao brothers, for their part, did not lift their eyelids, as if completely indifferent to the conversation around them.
“Tsukuru, Brother Xiao Lie, we haven’t seen Sect Leader Xiao in the past three months. The Black-Corner Region is so chaotic, and now Maple City is very conspicuous. If Sect Leader Xiao isn’t here, there might be some problems,” Su Mei, the leader of the Lutador Faction and the only woman among the three major forces, raised her eyes and asked in a casual, flirtatious tone.
As she spoke, Ironwu and the Bone Elder also paused their actions and subtly glanced at Xiao Lie. Maple City’s rising influence meant higher profits, but to hold onto this territory in the watchful Black-Corner Region, formidable strength was needed. Although the three factions had reached an agreement under the pressure of Xiao Yan and Medusa, Xia Yan’s absence and the increasing profits might lead to other thoughts.
Smiling faintly, Xiao Lie replied, “My younger brother dislikes being tied down. He mentioned he went to the mountains to look for medicinal herbs. If you miss him, I can inform you when he returns.”
The three men smiled, and the Bone Elder gently set down his teacup. “Brother Xiao Lie, though we agreed to go to the Jia Ma Empire, you know that the Yunlan Sect has a Battle Sect. Without Sect Leader Xiao and the other, we wouldn’t dare to go.”
Xiao Lie frowned slightly. These sly fellows, after years in the Black-Corner Region, were always cautious. Suddenly, a light laugh echoed from outside the hall. Two figures slowly entered, bringing a pleasant surprise to Xiao Lie.
Seeing the black-robed youth, Ironwu and the others were taken aback before quickly smiling. They stood up and bowed, saying, “Sect Leader Xiao, we won’t go back on our word. That would be shameful in the Black-Corner Region.”
The newly arrived figures were, of course, Xiao Yan and Medusa, returned from the deep mountains. Smiling, Xiao Yan cast a glance at the three, unimpressed by their assurances. In the Black-Corner Region, integrity was worth little.
“Ha ha, I’m sure the three of you have made a lot of money in Maple City. No problem with sharing wealth. But for those who want to abandon us after getting what they want… well, though I’m young, I’m not a pushover. You should know that.”
Xiao Yan’s words caused the three to stiffen. Hastily, they nodded, confirming their stance.
“Relax, I was just speaking casually. We may go to the Jia Ma Empire in the next two months. Please prepare; I’ll give you the Imperial Supreme Pill as promised.”
“Two months?” Surprised, the three wondered if the time was too tight. However, fearing the consequences, they hesitantly agreed, tempted by the pill’s reward.
“We need to arrange things quickly,” the three thought before leaving hurriedly.
Watching them leave, Xiao Yan sneered, “Three cunning devils, do they think I’m easy to deceive?”
“Finally, you’re back. Managing Maple City alone for the past few months has been exhausting,” Xiao Lie said, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder.
“How is Maple City now?”
“It’s doing well. Few people dare to make trouble for us, and big businesses are settling here. Maple City’s prosperity is now among the top three in the Black-Corner Region. The profits are incredible,” Xiao Lie said, shaking his head in amazement.
Smiling, Xiao Yan shifted his gaze to the three silent figures behind Xiao Lie. He could sense their strength—three Dou Wangs.
“Who are they?”
“The three Yao brothers pay respects to Sect Leader!”
Without waiting for Xiao Lie, the three cold-faced men bowed respectfully.
“They are brothers surnamed Yao. Though they didn’t belong to any faction, they were powerful. They angered the Gold and Silver Elders, so they’ve been hiding. I found them recently and recruited them.”
Understanding, Xiao Yan nodded and said, “Now we’re one family. Don’t worry about the Gold and Silver Elders; they don’t dare show up in Maple City.”
Reassured, the three brothers smiled. Their lives had been hard, as the Gold and Silver Elders’ names were too feared.
“Sect Leader, I’m the oldest. Just call us Yao One, Two, and Three if you need anything,” the eldest-looking man said.
Amused, Xiao Yan nodded and turned to Xiao Lie, “Brother, start gathering our strong allies. We may return to the Jia Ma Empire within these two months.”
Stunned, Xiao Lie then nodded joyfully, excited for the day he’d long awaited.
“I’ll go to the inner courtyard. You handle the recruitment.” Xiao Yan grinned.
“Leave it to me!” Xiao Lie smiled, glancing southward with a cold, sinister expression. “Yunlan Sect, the avenger is coming… are you ready?”
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