In the distant Eastern Heavy Industries, a squad of over thirty guards was stationed at each mining site. After Qian Ye brought the seedlings to this small town, Wei Cheng dispatched an additional team.
Both guard captains were experienced Level 4 warriors, around their early thirties. As they entered Qian Ye’s small building, they saw him deep in thought, a map spread out on the long table that served as both a reception and study area.
They exchanged glances, feeling a faint sense of unease. Being responsible for the defense of the mines, they were far more familiar with the surroundings than Qian Ye, and naturally, they had noticed some unusual activities outside the town over the last two days, even if they didn’t know the source. However, on the Evernight Continent, battles could erupt anytime for various reasons, and enemies were not limited to the dark races.
Qian Ye invited them to sit, not beating around the bush, and directly told them about Wei Cheng’s visit earlier and what he had found out by tailing him.
The two guard captains’ faces changed dramatically upon hearing this.
One of them, also surnamed Wei, cursed on the spot, “Damn it! Wei Cheng, you backstabbing scoundrel!”
The other captain, who was slightly older and calmer, pointed at the map and said, “Young Master Qian, if Wei Cheng left Duanhe City and headed southwest, he would be heading towards the Fifteenth Division of the Expeditionary Army.”
Local representatives of major clans usually had close ties with the Expeditionary Army garrisons, but Wei Cheng’s actions suggested that he might have his own murky dealings. The only silver lining was that the Tenth Division, based in Duanhe City, seemed uninvolved, so there was no need to worry about a full-scale assault from an entire division. The Fifteenth and Seventh Divisions, if they wanted to launch a cross-regional attack, would have to be more cautious.
Qian Ye said, “It seems from now on, this place may be subject to attacks, fierce ones.”
The two guard captains’ faces turned grim, asking, “Is it really… the Expeditionary Army?” The Eastern Heavy Industries was no easy target; each of their squads was made up of battle-hardened troops, not weaker than the enhanced units of the Expeditionary Army. But within the territory of the Expeditionary Army, it was impossible to match the power of a whole division.
Qian Ye nodded, “With so many people here, without any natural defenses in the wilderness, venturing out would be suicidal. However, a small team leaving might still be possible. You are from the Eastern Heavy Industries, once inside Duanhe City, you should be safe from open attacks.”
Captain Wei, however, shook his head, “What kind of talk is this, Young Master Qian? If we abandon you and flee, how could we explain ourselves to the young master afterward? That would be like betraying the family!”
Though they didn’t know the details, as guard captains, they held managerial positions in the Duanhe branch of the Eastern Heavy Industries. When Wei Po Tian’s messenger came to deliver the message, they were present, and the messenger clearly stated that Qian Ye’s matter was a family affair and emphasized that he had the same authority as a house elder.
Captain He, the other captain, added, “It’s indeed too late to leave now. And since the Fifteenth Division is behind this, the stance of the Tenth Division is uncertain, making Duanhe City possibly unsafe. The young master set the arrival time for tomorrow night, so we can only do our best to hold on.”
Captain Wei told Qian Ye, “Even the Expeditionary Army cannot bully the Wei Clan of the Far East! We have been nourished by the Wei Clan for years, precisely for such moments, to serve until death. Rest assured, we will fight to the end!”
Captain He, though saying nothing more, firmly nodded in agreement.
Qian Ye felt a mixture of admiration and regret. He hadn’t intended for these two squads to stay. With Wei Cheng’s betrayal, he feared others might have been infiltrated by the Expeditionary Army. Rather than keeping potential traitors close, it was better to let them leave. Besides, Qian Ye didn’t want his friends to suffer great losses for his sake.
Today, Qian Ye truly understood the depth of the major clans. Though there were betrayers like Wei Cheng, there were more warriors like these two captains, willing to die for the honor and interests of the clan. This was just a minor branch of the Wei Clan; if one could imagine the entirety of the clan, the power would be immense.
The three discussed the defense, deciding to reinforce the perimeter immediately and deploy scouts and sentries. Fortunately, the heavy machinery from the mines could be used as barriers and cover. Given Wei Cheng’s betrayal, the situations in the other mining sites were unknown, and the existing communication channels might be compromised. They selected a few seasoned and clever hands to report through Wei Clan’s alternative channels in nearby areas.
At this moment, Wei Po Tian was just stepping out of the Conquest Fortress, the headquarters of the Expeditionary Army.
He wore a broad smile, saying to his attendants, “Everyone says Xiao Ling Shi is notoriously difficult to talk to and very protective of his subordinates. But meeting him today, the rumors don’t seem entirely accurate!”
His attendants chimed in, “Of course, Young Master, it’s because of your wisdom and valor!”
Wei Po Tian laughed heartily, then mockingly scolded, “Stop sucking up, you rascals! I know my worth. But it seems my capabilities have improved lately, as dealing with Xiao Ling Shi went smoothly. The elders should be pleased.”
Naturally, more flattery followed, making Wei Po Tian beam with delight. He ordered, “Boys, follow me! Let’s see what those Expeditionary soldiers are up to. This trip will also broaden your horizons, and let you see my good brothers from the old days. By tomorrow night, we’ll be there.”
They exited the Conquest Fortress, surrounded by entourage, heading to the airship base where the Wei Clan’s floating vessel from the upper continent awaited.
Wei Po Tian’s visit to Xiao Ling Shi was at the behest of the clan elders, who believed that to act against the Expeditionary Army on the Evernight Continent, one must get past Xiao Ling Shi. Before the trip, the young master had no specific strategy, preparing for a heated argument, or worse, forceful action.
However, to his surprise, General Xiao Ling Shi was surprisingly cooperative. After hearing Wei Po Tian’s intentions, Xiao Ling Shi immediately declared that the forbidden deals with the dark races were intolerable, and he wouldn’t support such acts, even for his subordinates. Therefore, he allowed Wei Po Tian to investigate, offering all possible assistance within his power.
Surprised and satisfied, Wei Po Tian left the Conquest Fortress content, ready to confront the Seventh Division and Wu Zhengnan.
Wei Po Tian’s confidence was not unfounded. Although he was not skilled in military affairs, the Wei Clan, with its influence in a province and in the Imperial Army, had no shortage of talent. Over the past month, they had quietly investigated Wu Zhengnan, laying the groundwork.
Before departing, Wei Po Tian had received a thick dossier of Wu Zhengnan’s wrongdoings, which gave him the confidence to visit the Evernight Continent. This would help Qian Ye greatly and showcase his abilities, outshining the useless Song Qi.
Behind a window in the Conquest Fortress, Song Zining’s figure appeared, watching Wei Po Tian depart, muttering, “Idiot!”
Beside him stood a middle-aged man in a general’s uniform, his rank of lieutenant-general denoted by two golden stars. His imposing presence and sharp demeanor were like a drawn sword.
He, too, watched Wei Po Tian’s retreating figure, smiling at Song Zining’s harsh assessment without comment. Though the young masters of the noble clans were often arrogant and insufferable, for some reason, despite his apparent incompetence, Wei Po Tian wasn’t as loathsome.
Xiao Ling Shi turned to Song Zining, finding his initial demeanor elegant and refined, and his current emotional display intriguing. Still, two distinctive core members from two powerful factions targeting one of his divisional commanders was not pleasant.
Song Zining said, “General Xiao, ignore that idiot. Let’s get back to business.”
Xiao Ling Shi nodded, sitting back down. Song Zining sat opposite him, placing a document on the table, saying, “Here is half the interest in the Chen Clan’s three mines. Please take a look.”
“Not being polite, then.” Xiao Ling Shi took the contract, examining it meticulously.
Song Zining waited patiently. At his rank, Xiao Ling Shi didn’t need to personally handle such matters, but seeing his dedication, Song Zining’s respect for the humble-born general grew.
A combination of innate talent, hard work, and humility—perhaps this was why Xiao Ling Shi, from humble origins, rose to such a high rank before fifty.
After reviewing the contract twice, Xiao Ling Shi put it down, satisfied, “Seventh Young Master, your preparations are thorough. This contract is fine, and I will send someone with my token to sign it tomorrow.”
Song Zining agreed, understanding the need for discretion. It wouldn’t be wise for Xiao Ling Shi to hold too many assets under his name. For someone from a lesser background, such direct holdings could be problematic.
Song Zining smiled, “General Xiao, as I mentioned, this is just the beginning. In Shanyin County and across the Evernight Continent, we can share more benefits. After bringing down Wu Zhengnan, his trading routes will be mine. You will see greater profits than before. The divisional commanders who cooperated with Wu Zhengnan can keep their shares, though reduced, ensuring they won’t lose out overall.”
Xiao Ling Shi nodded, “That’s ideal, as too much opposition would be troublesome.” He pondered, “Since the Seventh Young Master is well-prepared, you must know of the Huaiyang Wu Clan. Have you considered their stance?”
Song Zining’s eyes flashed. Xiao Ling Shi’s tone was neutral, not meant to mystify. It was common knowledge that Wu Zhengnan’s Wu and the Huaiyang Wu Clan’s Wu were different, at least on the surface.
The Huaiyang Wu Clan’s connection was via Chen Guangyu, head of the Chen Clan’s mines, who was distantly related by marriage. Xiao Ling Shi wasn’t kindly reminding them to clean up; he had other motives.
Song Zining smiled, “Regardless of their stance, General Xiao, if you have other ideas, it’s all good.”
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