Chapter 1371: Public grudge

“You saw it, didn’t you? Even if King Yao intervenes, we won't get a fair outcome. Furthermore, although Yangshan's operations have King Yao's special permission, it's impossible to go to him for every single issue.” He sighed. “Xue Zongwu seized upon this very point. As long as he's unhappy with us, he has plenty of opportunities and means to make things difficult for Yangshan, leaving us unable to voice our grievances—his previous actions were all aimed at ensuring we both respected and feared him.”

“I'm afraid he doesn't specifically target us, but anyone who stands in his way.” He Lingchuan pulled out a small piece of paper. “It seems Xue Zongwu often does this; I've just found another victim.”

“Who?”

He Lingchuan tossed the paper away: “I previously sent a message to Mount Ling, asking it to find me someone knowledgeable about Yao State, like Fang Canran.”

Yangshan Archipelago's business had already expanded into Yao State, and Mount Ling knew this and was quite supportive.

For many years, both Mount Ling and Mou State had wanted to get involved in Shanjing Plain, and had tried many methods, but with little success. This place naturally and stubbornly resisted external forces.

But Yangshan had successfully carved out an opening here, beginning to infiltrate Shanjing Plain. Mount Ling was very interested in this, and its interactions and communications with He Lingchuan became more frequent.

He Lingchuan's trip to Shanjing was an unexpected gain for Mount Ling; whether he completed his mission was secondary. As long as he could serve as a wedge driven into Shanjing Plain, everything else could be gradually planned.

He Lingchuan also keenly perceived Mount Ling's intentions, and, seizing the opportunity, intensified his interactions.

Dong Rui asked him, “And then?”

“It found me an informant named Tu Yuanhong. This person ran a carriage business and also dealt in lacquer in several major cities in Yao State. He also handled affairs for several noble families in Yao State's capital and dealt with all sorts of people, making him well-informed.”

In He Lingchuan's subsequent plans, Yao State was a crucial link. To play against an opponent, one must know oneself and one's enemy. He needed an inside informant familiar with Yao State, someone who could gather intelligence and secretly send information—

—just like Fang Canran used to do in Lingxu City, and a background in both official circles and business would be even better.

If Mount Ling could cultivate one Fang Canran, it could cultivate more informants.

After all, He Lingchuan had been in Shanjing Plain for too short a time, while Mount Ling had long begun its strategic layout, constantly trying to infiltrate Shanjing. Therefore, it should also have a reserve of suitable talents.

Now that He Lingchuan made this request, Mount Ling readily agreed.

Dong Rui let out an “Oh,” then asked, “So, what's the problem?”

“I followed the address and secret code Mount Ling gave me, and found that Tu Yuanhong was already dead; his Tonglin Village had been burned to the ground.” He Lingchuan said slowly, “This happened a month ago; Mount Ling probably doesn't know yet. Later, it will have to find me someone else.”

His communication with Mount Ling was too time-consuming, back and forth.

“I took the opportunity to send someone to investigate, and found that Tu Yuanhong had recently been involved in a business dispute and had offended someone. Guess whose people he offended?”

Dong Rui and Ling Guang: “Xue Zongwu?”

“Exactly.”

Ling Guang also felt indignant: “This method is too brutal, resorting to murder and arson at the drop of a hat.”

Even mountain bandits aren't this ruthless.

“This is solving problems at their root. You say Xue Zongwu's methods are brutal, but he killed so many people without leaving any witnesses, which shows how clean he ties up loose ends. In my opinion, this person is probably cunning beneath a rough exterior.”

He Lingchuan smiled without speaking.

After discussing Xue Zongwu, Dong Rui changed the subject on his own: “Hey, let's get back to our main business. You've split the Black Armored Army into small teams for missions, and efficiency has improved, but the dragon-head carvings don't appear in places you don't personally visit. How do you explain that?”

“What's there to say?” Ling Guang left the window, and He Lingchuan pulled out another thick stack of documents. “Even if someone with an agenda tries to refute it with this point, will ordinary people believe them? Rumors about the Black Armored Army are already rampant outside, with dozens of versions circulating. Who can confirm whether there are dragon-head totems or not? Hardly anyone has seen a dragon-head totem with their own eyes, but that doesn't stop them from relishing the tales, spreading them with vivid details.”

It doesn't matter if people don't see it; as long as they can talk, that's all that counts.

Dong Rui shrugged: “Alright, but you need to be careful. The Black Armored Army's name is so popular now; beware of imposters.”

“Impersonation is a minor issue.” He Lingchuan could even guess what would happen next.

“Hey, another rumor has surfaced recently.” Dong Rui was a little annoyed. “It says the Black Armored Army only picks on easy targets and dares not kill powerful figures or villains in Yao State.”

He Lingchuan even praised them: “Oh, those people are quite perceptive.”

They were right; the Black Armored Army's operations involved moving around various places, killing targets He Lingchuan deemed worthy, capable, and easy to kill, but they had never advanced into Yao State.

Dong Rui knew very well that it wasn't because He Lingchuan was afraid: “So, what are we waiting for?”

“You've been focused solely on killing lately, not properly researching demon puppets. Aren't you neglecting your duties a bit?”

“When can't I research demon puppets?” For Dong Rui to say such a thing was definitely unusual. “Going out to kill people in various ways like this, the opportunities are limited; each time you go, it's one less chance. Am I wrong?”

He had also led a team once. Going out to judge and then kill in the name of eliminating evil and bringing peace,

It was exhilarating, absolutely exhilarating.

It's like having the power of life and death, isn't it?

He Lingchuan grunted in affirmation: “Yes. Anonymity itself is a form of protection. The Black Armored Army's growing fame actually imposes higher demands on future operations. We need to be more cautious now.”

“So, what are we waiting for?” Dong Rui didn't give up on his previous question. “Are you going to set a Yao target to shut these idle talkers up?”

“People's mouths have two sides; they can talk themselves blue in the face, and it won't cost them their lives. You can't silence them completely.” He Lingchuan smiled, “It's not that we won't set a target, but it's not the right time yet. When the Black Armored Army is already the talk of the town, there's no need to add more conversation topics. Wait until this wave of popularity is about to fade, when people are almost tired of hearing about the Black Armored Army's dozens of operations—that will be the perfect time for us to strike our next target.”

Action requires timing.

Bad timing means wasted effort.

Dong Rui rubbed his hands together excitedly: “So, we'll unleash another big one then?”

“Yes, and it needs to be even more explosive than these dozen-plus operations combined. We'll create another sensation then, even grander and more thrilling.”

Dong Rui was very curious how this would be accomplished.

He Lingchuan put down the document, pulled out a file from a secret compartment in his desk, and pushed it towards him: “Take a look first. This is our next target!”

Dong Rui picked it up, and casually read out the target's name:

“Xue Zong...wu?”

No way?

“Xue Zongwu!” he exclaimed, “As expected, you don't do anything unless it's big. If you're going to do something, make it grand. Are you sure about directly eliminating Xue Zongwu?”