Chapter 1362: Brazen Opponent

**Chapter 1348: Arrogant Opponents**

"Yes," Jiang Lishui replied respectfully. "We entered for legitimate business according to our agreement with the State of Yao, and we never expected such an incident. Everyone in charge at the Xiancheng branch, from top to bottom, died in the fire. Some people were on duty at the branch that night. They said they woke up in the middle of the night, sensing something was wrong, only to find the doors and windows blocked from the outside. Fortunately, one window wasn't completely blocked, and they managed to pry it open, escaping the blaze."

He Lingchuan's long eyebrows arched, and anger welled up inside him. What deep-seated grudge or hatred could lead someone to burn down his branch and harm his subordinates? However, the Yangshan Merchant Guild was new to the State of Yao, having just established itself. Who could they have possibly offended?

Dong Rui also fumed, "Can something as trivial as a business dispute lead to fatalities?"

"The official coroner's report stated they died from burns. But we don't trust it; we want to find our own people to conduct the autopsies."

A large fire could destroy a lot of evidence. Even He Lingchuan hadn't expected the Yangshan Merchant Guild to suffer such heavy casualties in the prosperous State of Yao, rather than the Shanjing Plains.

"Have these two branches taken on any lucrative deals that might have caused jealousy?"

"The Xialin branch was established less than ten days ago and isn't fully staffed yet. It only took on two small-scale businesses," Jiang Lishui explained. "The Xiancheng branch, however, is our first and largest branch in the State of Yao, with over 160 people, including guards. It's been very successful. If any business could have offended someone, it would likely be the Xiancheng branch."

Investigating this would take time. He paused, then continued, "Officials from Xiancheng investigated the scene and concluded that the fire was purely accidental, caused by our branch's carelessness with fire and igniting oil."

Dong Rui was displeased. "Are they trying to fool idiots? How can they even present such an assessment without shame?"

Why were only those in charge killed? The Xiancheng authorities ignored this, insisting the Yangshan Merchant Guild's branch was careless with fire, and even sought to hold the guild responsible. The fire was so intense that seven or eight surrounding shops were also destroyed, reduced to ashes.

"Burning completely in a short time isn't typical of an ordinary fire," Dong Rui sneered. "The two incidents happened close together, one after the other. Ha, these are two ultimatums; someone in the State of Yao is targeting us."

"Investigate," He Lingchuan said, pressing his knuckles. "If even you can see it, then the arsonist's intention has been achieved. So, this matter shouldn't be difficult to investigate. They want us to know who they are." Otherwise, their efforts would be wasted.

Dong Rui grumbled, "They're very bold, aren't they? We're foreign merchants with the King of Yao's approval to operate here! Who would dare to cause trouble for us?"

"Even a strong dragon can't suppress a local snake," He Lingchuan said, his face grim. "What if we do business with the State of Yao's officials? The King of Yao can't solve Yangshan's problems all day long." Furthermore, he had witnessed firsthand how complex a royal court could be internally.

"Start with the major deals the Xiancheng branch recently facilitated," He Lingchuan said slowly. "Perhaps the source of the trouble is buried there."

Until now, the Yangshan Merchant Guild's development in the Shanjing Plains had been unbelievably smooth. He knew that such good, easy times would eventually come to an end. However, this day seemed to have arrived a bit too quickly.

"The State of Yao, hmm..." He stroked his chin.

After Jiang Lishui withdrew, Dong Rui asked, "Hey, do you think that old hag ordered her subordinates to do it? She was appointed Grand Supervisor of the State of Yao and seems to have brought many experts with her."

"Her faction has always been deeply rooted; even Grand Master Shuangye couldn't fully eradicate it in almost three years. Besides, her job as supervisor in a foreign land is very difficult, so the Demon Emperor must have assigned her plenty of personnel." He Lingchuan also pondered whether these two incidents were instigated by Grand Master Qingyang. "Not very reasonable," he mused. "Qingyang and I don't have a fundamental conflict. She should be too lazy to deal with me."

There was still a significant gap between "dislike" and "must kill."

***

Lincheng, Riverside Elegant Residence.

When the Bishia special envoy arrived, the establishment was still bustling with music and merriment. He hurried into a private room on the second floor, where pearl curtains still hung, blocking his view into the interior. As the door closed and a barrier was activated, the clamor from outside instantly vanished.

"You are truly remarkable, sir!" The Bishia special envoy took out a brocade box, opened it, turned it, and pushed it forward. "My lord is greatly pleased that you successfully eliminated Situ Yu! This is the final payment of 400,000 liang, and three catties of orange Xuanjing."

Bishia had hired an assassin, and once the task was complete, the Bishia chieftain sent the envoy to deliver the final payment. A nearby attendant picked up the brocade box, went into the inner room, and presented it to the Master of the Red Lodge. The latter glanced at it and hummed, "The Bishia people are still somewhat trustworthy."

"My clan always prioritizes integrity," the Bishia special envoy boasted first, then continued, "It was a pleasant cooperation, thank you, sir. Next time we encounter a difficult individual, we will come again to request your assistance."

The Master of the Red Lodge lazily asked, "What, you don't want to kill He Lingchuan anymore?"

The Bishia special envoy forced a smile. "Situ Yu is dead, so the allied army is bound to undergo changes. Yangshan and He Lingchuan may not be as troublesome as before."

Ultimately, the main character truly influencing the war was Situ Yu, the leader of the allied army. The Yangshan Merchant Guild was, at most, providing logistical support. The Bishia people judged that with Situ Yu dead and the allied army in turmoil, how much impact could He Lingchuan still have?

The Master of the Red Lodge nodded. "You may go."

In the end, the Bishia people were still reluctant to pay another 300,000 liang as a reward for killing someone. Killing Situ Yu only cost 500,000 liang, but killing He Lingchuan would cost 300,000. The Bishia people found this calculation rather vexing.

The Bishia special envoy bowed to him and hurried away. Every time he came to see the Master of the Red Lodge, he felt a shiver down his spine, as if something unseen was watching him.

Shortly after he left, a soft knock came from the private room door.

"Come in."

This time, a thin, tall man in his forties with a pale face entered. He took three steps forward and knelt before the Master of the Red Lodge, not daring to lift his head.

The Master of the Red Lodge was accustomed to this. "She escaped again?" The word "again" carried significant meaning.

"Yes, but this time, outsiders intervened," the thin, tall man prostrated himself on the floor. "Xiao An was first in Chen Family Village, then appeared in Greenery Mountain Villa, about half a month apart. Your subordinate was close to catching her at Greenery Mountain Villa when dozens of black cavalry suddenly attacked from the side, killing Wu Madan, the master of Greenery Mountain Villa. Xiao An was startled and, uh, escaped."

"She doesn't have much time left. If you let her escape a few more times, you'll never find her again," the Master of the Red Lodge said indifferently. "Her condition before her death will be our key focus."

The thin, tall man swallowed, forcing himself to say with difficulty, "You... the three demon puppets you entrusted to your subordinate were taken by these black cavalry..."

"Hmm?" The Master of the Red Lodge was displeased.

"They were taken away."