Chapter 1084: The Big Sister's Headache
As Wan Wu Yi personally witnessed the Corpse Ghoul advancing to a Corpse King, the Spirit Masters of Gu Mo City gathered once again at the Big Sister's summons.
They all knew, of course, that the Corpse Driving Sect had been crippled by Yang Haoran. Although they, as Spirit Masters, hadn't participated in the recent conflict, they had been observing from the shadows the entire time, giving them a clear understanding of the battle.
It was precisely because of this understanding that they found it terrifying—both Yang Haoran's strength and the power of his allies.
The atmosphere was heavy. None of the Spirit Masters present spoke a word. Usually, whenever they gathered, they would argue fiercely over their respective interests or differing perspectives, but this time, they were uncharacteristically silent.
The Big Sister sat in the lead position, smoking. Her expression was far from pleasant; it was clear from her face that her mood was anything but cheerful, which was one reason for the Spirit Masters' silence.
As one cigarette burned down, the Big Sister stubbed out the butt, slowly exhaled smoke, and then spoke indifferently.
"Usually, you're all chirping away during meetings. How come you're all struck dumb today?"
None of the Spirit Masters present dared to respond, unsure how to handle the current situation. No matter how they replied, they felt it wouldn't appease the Big Sister's anger, and might even invite trouble upon themselves.
"For now, everyone stay put. No one is allowed to act without my orders. If anyone acts on their own initiative, don't blame me for disregarding our past camaraderie."
The Spirit Masters present nodded in agreement. The Big Sister then waved her hand dismissively, clearly agitated, and spoke again.
"Old man, stay. The rest of you can scram."
The "old man" the Big Sister referred to was, of course, her second-in-command, Shang Yuanqi. She had called these Spirit Masters here today hoping to hear some good opinions from them regarding the situation. However, ever since they arrived, these fellows had been like blocks of wood, unable to utter a single useful word. This filled her with disappointment, and naturally, anger too, which was why her words showed no mercy.
The reason she kept her second-in-command, Shang Yuanqi, was because she genuinely needed someone to offer suggestions. Although Shang Yuanqi had also remained silent just now, she had known him for more than a day or two. She knew Shang Yuanqi was a clever man, useful in critical moments, so she wanted to speak with him privately, hoping for some unexpected insights.
The other Spirit Masters dared not defy the Big Sister's command, swiftly departing and leaving only Shang Yuanqi behind.
"Old man, the Underworld Office has sent a tough nut to crack to our Gu Mo City this time."
The Big Sister took a drag from her cigarette, slowly exhaled, and then spoke to Shang Yuanqi. Although her expression appeared calm and her tone unhurried, it was clear from her words that Yang Haoran, this Underworld official, was giving her a headache.
"Indeed. This Yang Haoran is much harder to deal with than we imagined. It's a good thing we didn't act rashly, otherwise, the consequences could have been devastating for us."
Shang Yuanqi no longer remained silent. He responded to the Big Sister, his expression showing a lingering fear.
"To be honest, I should thank you for this. If it weren't for you, the Corpse Driving Sect wouldn't have volunteered to lead the charge, and we wouldn't have such a clear understanding of Yang Haoran's strength. You contributed a lot this time; I'll remember it," the Big Sister said indifferently, crossing her legs.
"I merely employed a few minor tricks in the shadows; I didn't exert much effort. The Corpse Driving Sect went to trouble Yang Haoran on their own initiative because, ultimately, there was profit to be made. The Corpse Driving Sect Head isn't foolish; why else would he provoke Yang Haoran if there wasn't a profit in it? " Shang Yuanqi said with a smile.
The main reason the Corpse Driving Sect sought trouble with Yang Haoran this time was actually their covetousness for the Underworld Office's territory.
Although the ordinary people within the Underworld Office's territory had been relocated, the Underworld Office's domain was still considerably large. Moreover, beyond its territory within Gu Mo City, there was also Underworld Office territory outside Gu Mo City. The two were integrated; seizing the Underworld Office's territory inside Gu Mo City was equivalent to seizing its territory outside as well.
The Corpse Driving Sect's territory within Gu Mo City had already been ruined beyond recognition, and the resources in their territory outside Gu Mo City were mostly depleted. In contrast, the Underworld Office's territory, both within the city and outside, still had resources that could be exploited. That's why the Corpse Driving Sect set their sights on the Underworld Office's land.
It wasn't just the Corpse Driving Sect that coveted the Underworld Office's territory; other factions also harbored designs on it. Just as Zuo Meng had said previously, even if the Underworld Office's territory no longer housed ordinary people, other forces would still scramble for it. This was no joke; it was the truth.
In the past, with the Holy Mother Cult managing the Underworld Office's territory, even if the Corpse Driving Sect had ideas, they wouldn't dare plot against that land, as the Holy Mother Cult was not to be trifled with. But after Yang Haoran took over, the Corpse Driving Sect saw a good opportunity. Coupled with Shang Yuanqi's subtle instigation from the shadows, the Corpse Driving Sect developed the ambition to seize the Underworld Office's territory.
Considering the views of other factions and to prevent their plans from being disrupted, the Corpse Driving Sect didn't publicize the matter. Even corpse refiners outside of their high command were kept in the dark. Furthermore, the Corpse Driving Sect Head believed Yang Haoran's strength was likely unimpressive, so they initially didn't make a big show of it, sending only two corpse refiners whom he deemed sufficiently capable to handle the situation. However, the final outcome diverged far too greatly from his expectations.
"Old man, you don't need to be modest in front of me. The Corpse Driving Sect truly earned us a significant victory by leading the charge this time, and you played a huge part in it. However, I'm a bit dissatisfied with the outcome. Do you have any good countermeasures? " the Big Sister asked, taking a drag from her cigarette and continuing to address Shang Yuanqi.
"In this situation, I believe it's best to resort to our old tricks: find a way to make other factions fight Yang Haoran to the death, rather than sending our own people to their demise," Shang Yuanqi said.
Upon hearing this, the Big Sister's brows furrowed slightly. After taking two more drags from her cigarette, she asked indifferently.
"Yang Haoran has already proven in front of all the major factions that he's no pushover. In such a situation, what do you think is the likelihood of other factions making a move against him?"
Upon hearing this, Shang Yuanqi's face broke into a slight smile.
"As for the likelihood, that depends on the magnitude of the potential gains. As long as the benefits are substantial enough, Yang Haoran will still become the target of other factions."
The Big Sister chuckled, then spoke.
"Heh heh, from your words, it seems you already have a good plan?"
Shang Yuanqi gently shook his head, then said.
"I have an idea, but it's not fully developed yet. I need a little time to plan it out."
The Big Sister didn't immediately respond. She fell silent for a moment, pondered, and then continued.
"Yang Haoran probably doesn't have the energy to bother us right now. I believe he'll focus on rebuilding the Gu Mo City Underworld Office, because only by rebuilding the Underworld Office can he truly show results. So we still have some time. During this period, you can thoroughly refine your plan."
At this point, the Big Sister stubbed out the cigarette in her hand, and then continued to speak.
"If, by the time Yang Haoran takes action against us Spirit Masters, you still haven't come up with a viable solution, then I won't bother wasting my own brain cells. At that point, we'll just have to clash head-on with this Underworld official. Who will emerge victorious will depend on each side's capabilities."
The Big Sister spoke these words calmly. Judging by her expression and tone, she clearly wasn't speaking out of anger. If it truly came to that, she would likely act just as she said.
Furthermore, the Big Sister's words also revealed her confidence in her own strength. She had already witnessed Yang Haoran's power, as well as the power of his allies. To be able to say such things in this situation clearly indicated that her own strength was certainly not to be underestimated.
Of course, if her strength wasn't formidable enough, or her methods ruthless enough, a mere woman like her wouldn't be able to hold the top position among Gu Mo City's Spirit Masters. The other Spirit Masters wouldn't respect or fear her.
"Don't worry, Big Sister, I will do my best. If we can eliminate Yang Haoran using others, that would naturally be ideal. If not, then we'll just have to clash with him ourselves!"
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