Chapter 840
Observing the Situation
"Xuanfeng, your father is taking you home," he murmured. "One day, your father will avenge you."
That very night, the alliance of the three great families completely collapsed.
The Sun family's forces were the first to withdraw, heading back towards Tianyuan City.
The Lu family members also began packing their belongings, preparing to return and report to the family head.
Only the Zhao family's men remained in place, seemingly observing the situation.
"Elder Zhao, aren't we leaving?" one of the Zhao family's guards asked.
“No rush,” Zhao Tiefeng shook his head. “The Lu family and the Sun family are both gone, now only the Zhao family remains. Perhaps we can do things differently.”
"Different approaches?" the guard asked, puzzled.
"The Lu family wanted to launch a strong attack on Qingyun City, and the Sun family wanted to reap the benefits, but neither succeeded," Zhao Tiefeng said. "But perhaps, there is a third path to take."
"What road?"
"A gentler approach." Zhao Tiefeng's lips curled into a slight smile. "Since a direct assault isn't working, let's try another method."
The next morning, Qingyun City welcomed an unexpected visitor.
At the city gate, a middle-aged man dressed in black armor arrived with several attendants.
"Who goes there?" the guard asked warily.
"My name is Zhao Tiefeng, the second elder of the Zhao family," the middle-aged man said, bowing. "I have come to pay my respects to City Lord Wang and Mr. Dark Night."
"The Zhao family?" The soldier was taken aback. "Aren't you from the alliance of the three great families? Why are you alone?"
"The alliance has disbanded," Zhao Tiefeng said. "I've come today to discuss cooperation with Lord Wang."
"Cooperation?" The soldier became even more wary. "You wanted to attack our city yesterday, and today you want to talk about cooperation?"
"Times have changed," Zhao Tiefeng said. "I am sincere in my desire to cooperate with City Lord Wang; please inform him of this."
The soldier hesitated for a moment, but ultimately turned and ran towards the city lord's mansion to report.
A short while later, the city gates opened.
Wang Tianhai, accompanied by Zheng Yi and several guards, walked out of the city gate.
"Elder Zhao, I have long admired your name," Wang Tianhai said, bowing. "May I ask what brings you here, Elder Zhao?"
"Lord Wang, you're too kind," Zhao Tiefeng returned the greeting. "I've come today to discuss a potential collaboration with you."
"Cooperation?" Wang Tianhai frowned. "Elder Zhao led his troops to attack Qingyun City yesterday, and today he's here to talk about cooperation?"
“Yesterday is yesterday, today is today,” Zhao Tiefeng said. “The situation has changed. The alliance of the three great families has disbanded; the Lu family and the Sun family have both left, leaving only our Zhao family.”
"The alliance has disbanded?" Wang Tianhai was taken aback. "Why?"
"Because Mr. Dark Night's strength is too great." Zhao Tiefeng looked at Zheng Yi, a hint of awe flashing in his eyes. "He killed the Lu family's prodigy with a single punch, intimidating the allied forces of the three great families. Neither the Lu family nor the Sun family wanted to be the vanguard, so they shirked responsibility and eventually broke up."
"I see," Zheng Yi said calmly. "So Elder Zhao came to us wanting to cooperate with us alone?"
“That’s right.” Zhao Tiefeng nodded. “I believe Mr. Dark Night is someone worth cooperating with. The Zhao family doesn’t want to be enemies with Mr. Dark Night and wants to find a different way to get along with Qingyun City.”
"In what way?" Zheng Yi asked.
“Cooperation,” Zhao Tiefeng said. “The Zhao family can provide resources and protection to help Qingyun City develop. In exchange, Qingyun City can offer the Zhao family some conveniences, such as establishing a base in Qingyun City to facilitate exploration in the Eastern Wilderness.”
"Establish a base?" Zheng Yi raised an eyebrow. "Elder Zhao means the Zhao family wants to station troops in Qingyun City?"
"It's just a small force, used to protect the Zhao family's interests in Qingyun City," Zhao Tiefeng said. "It won't interfere in Qingyun City's internal affairs, nor will it threaten the position of City Lord Wang."
Zheng Yi and Wang Tianhai exchanged a glance, both seeing wariness in each other's eyes.
Zhao Tiefeng's proposal sounded tempting, but it actually concealed a hidden agenda. Once the Zhao family established a base in Qingyun City, it would be tantamount to planting a thorn in the side. In the future, if the Zhao family wanted to control Qingyun City, they would have an inside man.
“Elder Zhao’s suggestion is very sincere,” Zheng Yi said, “but I need to discuss it with City Lord Wang before I can give you an answer.”
“Of course,” Zhao Tiefeng nodded. “I will await Lord Wang and Mr. Dark Night’s reply outside the city.”
He turned and left with his entourage, heading towards the outskirts of the city.
After Zhao Tiefeng had walked a distance, Wang Tianhai spoke up, "Sir, what do you think of the Zhao family's proposal?"
“Unacceptable.” Zheng Yi shook his head. “The Zhao family claims it’s a cooperation, but in reality, they want to plant a spy in Qingyun City. Once we agree, we’ll be at a disadvantage.”
"That's what I think too," Wang Tianhai nodded, "but if we refuse directly, wouldn't we offend the Zhao family?"
"So be it," Zheng Yi said. "The fact that the Zhao family wants to cooperate with us means they are also wary of us. As long as we demonstrate sufficient strength, they won't dare to act rashly."
"Then how should we respond to the Zhao family?"
“Drag it out,” Zheng Yi said. “Neither refuse nor agree. Just say we need time to consider. That way, the Zhao family won't get angry, and we'll have time to prepare.”
“Okay, we’ll do as you say, sir.” Wang Tianhai nodded.
Meanwhile, in another location outside the city, Sun Wanli made a similar decision.
He did not return directly to Tianyuan City, but stopped halfway there.
"Elder, are we not leaving?" a guard from the Sun family asked.
“I’m not leaving.” Sun Wanli shook his head. “I’ve changed my mind.”
"Change your mind? What do you mean?"
“Both the Lu and Zhao families have withdrawn, so there’s no threat outside Qingyun City now,” Sun Wanli said. “This is an opportunity.”
"What opportunity?"
“An opportunity to cooperate with Qingyun City independently.” Sun Wanli’s lips curled into a slight smile. “The Lu family has fallen out with us and certainly won’t come back. Although the Zhao family hasn’t left, they wouldn’t dare attack Qingyun City alone. Now is the best time for our Sun family to establish a relationship with Qingyun City.”
"The elder means"
"Send someone to Qingyun City to negotiate with Wang Tianhai," Sun Wanli said. "Our Sun family can provide support in formations and weapon crafting to help Qingyun City strengthen its defenses. In exchange, Qingyun City can offer our Sun family some benefits."
"Elder, you are brilliant!" the guard exclaimed, suddenly understanding. "In this way, our Sun family can gain benefits in Qingyun City without losing a single soldier."
“That’s right.” Sun Wanli nodded. “The Lu family tried to launch a direct attack, but failed. Our Sun family might succeed by trying a different approach.” That afternoon, Qingyun City received another unexpected visitor.
The Sun family's messenger arrived at the city gate and requested an audience with Lord Wang.
Wang Tianhai was both amused and exasperated upon receiving the news.
"Sir, the Sun family has also arrived," he said to Zheng Yi. "It seems all three major families want to cooperate with us individually."
“This was expected,” Zheng Yi said. “After the alliance of the three great families broke down, they all wanted to gain benefits individually. Qingyun City is the gateway to the Eastern Wilderness, and it's very valuable. They don't want to give up this lucrative prize.”
"Then what do we do?"
"The same strategy," Zheng Yi said. "Drag it out. Neither refuse nor agree. Let them compete and distrust each other. We'll reap the benefits."
"Sir, you are truly brilliant." Wang Tianhai suddenly realized.
He met with the Sun family's envoy and listened to their proposal for cooperation.
The Sun family's proposal was similar to the Zhao family's; they both wanted to gain some advantages in Qingyun City in exchange for resources and support.
Wang Tianhai did not give a direct answer, only saying that he needed time to consider it.
Although the Sun family's envoy was somewhat disappointed, he did not press the matter, but simply expressed his hope that Lord Wang could make a decision as soon as possible.
After seeing off the Sun family's envoy, Wang Tianhai returned to the council hall and discussed the next steps with Zheng Yi.
"Sir, the Sun and Zhao families have both arrived, only the Lu family remains silent," he said. "What do you think the Lu family will do?"
“The Lu family won’t be making any moves for the time being,” Zheng Yi said. “I killed Lu Xuanfeng, and Lu Tianming will definitely have to go back and report to the family head, who will then decide what to do next. This will take some time.”
"So what is our biggest threat right now?"
“It’s the Lu family’s revenge,” Zheng Yi said. “Lu Xuanfeng is Lu Tianming’s son and the most outstanding genius among the younger generation of the Lu family. If I kill him, the Lu family will definitely not let it go.”
"So what should we do?"
“Strengthen defenses and prepare,” Zheng Yi said. “At the same time, continue to seek allies. While the Sun and Zhao families are untrustworthy, we can use them. Let them compete and distrust each other, diverting their attention.”
"Also, is there any news from the Town Administration Bureau?"
“Yes,” Wang Tianhai said. “The men I sent have met with a steward from the Town Territory Division. That steward said the Town Territory Division has always been dissatisfied with the nine great families interfering in local affairs and is willing to consider cooperating with us. However, the specifics of how to cooperate still need further discussion.”
“This is good news,” Zheng Yi nodded. “Continue to follow up. If we can get the support of the Town Commandery, our situation will be much better.”
“I understand,” Wang Tianhai said.
In the following days, the situation in Qingyun City underwent subtle changes.
Both the Sun and Zhao families sent people to remain near Qingyun City, awaiting Wang Tianhai's reply. Although their forces were small, they monitored and guarded against each other, fearing that the other might preemptively reach a cooperation agreement with Qingyun City.
The Lu family completely withdrew, leaving not a single soldier behind.
"The Lu family has left, but the Sun and Zhao families have stayed," Feng Ling reported to Zheng Yi. "Their forces are stationed five miles outside the city, keeping an eye on each other."
“Continue to monitor them,” Zheng Yi said. “Report any movements immediately.”
"Yes," Feng Ling replied, disappearing into the shadows.
Zheng Yi stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant horizon.
As the sun set, the sky was bathed in a golden-red glow. Qingyun City, shrouded in twilight, appeared exceptionally peaceful and serene.
The alliance of the three great families has broken down, which is good news for Qingyun City. But Zheng Yi knows that the crisis is not completely over. The Lu family's revenge is yet to come, and the intentions of the Sun and Zhao families are not simple either.
He needs to continue to work hard and strengthen his abilities in order to remain undefeated in the upcoming turmoil.
"Sir," Wang Tianhai approached, "what are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about what to do next," Zheng Yi said.
"Sir, do you think we can weather this crisis?"
“Yes.” Zheng Yi looked at Wang Tianhai, his eyes shining with determination. “As long as we unite as one and continuously strengthen our capabilities, there is no crisis we cannot overcome.”
“I trust you, sir.” Wang Tianhai nodded. “With you here, I feel at ease.”
Three days later, news that surprised everyone arrived.
The Town Administration Bureau is sending people to Qingyun City.
The message was brought back by someone Wang Tianhai had sent to contact the Town Commandery. That person rushed back to Qingyun City, travel-worn and dusty, and didn't even have time to drink a sip of water before bursting into the council hall.
"Lord City, great news!" he exclaimed, kneeling on the ground, panting. "The Town Administration Bureau has agreed to intervene!"
"What?!" Wang Tianhai stood up abruptly. "The Town Commandery really agreed?"
“Yes!” The man trembled with excitement. “Deacon Lin of the Town Domain Division said that the nine great families have expanded their power too rapidly in recent years, threatening the authority of the Town Domain Division. The Town Domain Division had already heard about the three great families' joint attack on Qingyun City. They decided to intervene to prevent any one family from controlling Qingyun City.”
"Deacon Lin also said that he would personally lead a team to Qingyun City to negotiate with various forces and find a solution acceptable to all parties."
Wang Tianhai was so excited he almost cried.
The Town Domain Division is the official institution of the Tianyuan Domain, representing the order and laws of the entire domain. Although the nine great families are powerful, they are nominally subject to the jurisdiction of the Town Domain Division. If the Town Domain Division intervenes, the nine great families will no longer be able to openly control Qingyun City.
"Great! Great!" Wang Tianhai exclaimed repeatedly. "When will the Town Commander arrive?"
"Deacon Lin said he'll arrive in three days," the man said.
"Three days later," Wang Tianhai turned to Zheng Yi, "Sir, the Town Commander is coming. What do you think we should do?"
Zheng Yi listened quietly the whole time, his face expressionless.
“It’s a good thing that the Town Administration has stepped in,” he said. “But we can’t be complacent. Although the Town Administration represents the government, they also have their own interests to consider. We need to be prepared to secure the best possible outcome in the negotiations.”
“Sir, you’re right.” Wang Tianhai nodded. “Then what preparations should we make?”
“First, we need to understand the Town Administration's intentions,” Zheng Yi said. “Why are they intervening? Do they genuinely want to help Qingyun City, or do they have other motives? We need to figure these things out.”
"Secondly, we need to prepare our bargaining chips," Zheng Yi continued. "Qingyun City's greatest value lies in its geographical location; it's the gateway to the Eastern Wilderness. We must leverage this to secure the greatest possible advantage in the negotiations."
"Finally, we must prepare for the worst," Zheng Yi said. "The intervention of the Town Commandery may not be able to completely resolve the issue. If negotiations fail, we will still have to rely on our own strength to protect Qingyun City." (End of Chapter)