Chapter 894: Refusing to Yield |
Beside the True Monarch of the Three Big Merchant Families, there were four or five other Primordial Spirit True Monarchs gathered together. They represented other forces that had entered Jiuqu Province along with the Three Big Merchant Families.
These forces were much weaker than the Three Big Merchant Families, but due to various factors, even the Three Big Merchant Families couldn't simply ignore them. Over the years, they had followed the Three Big Merchant Families and gained some advantages and rewards.
Of course, they were not family to the Three Big Merchant Families. Normally, it was fine to tag along and benefit from the Three Big Merchant Families' actions, but facing formidable enemies together and dealing with tough opponents required careful consideration.
However, at least on the surface, they stood together with the Three Big Merchant Families. After all, they all hailed from the Dali Dynasty and had some sense of unity.
The leader of these Primordial Spirit True Monarchs was Guyue Shuyao from the Gu Yue Family of the Dali Dynasty. On the other side, the head of the Three Big Merchant Families was Shang Han True Monarch, who was known not only for his mid-level Primordial Spirit cultivation but also for his managerial skills and business acumen.
At this moment, Shang Han True Monarch's expression was unpleasant as he looked across the scene.
Meng Zhang and the other ten Primordial Spirit True Monarchs had taken decisive action this time, catching Shang Han True Monarch and his group off guard.
To be honest, the Three Big Merchant Families were indeed very strong, but they had never expected to defeat these local forces solely with their own strength. Their main goal was to create momentum, establish connections, and get the official support of the Dali Dynasty, specifically the Governor's Office of Jiuqu Province, to mobilize the Northern Army to suppress these local powers.
The Dali Dynasty's main army would lead the way, and they could follow along, taking advantage of the situation and seizing some of the enemies' assets, thus alleviating the burden on the court.
Their enemy's large-scale action was truly formidable.
As merchants at heart, the Three Big Merchant Families weren't particularly fond of engaging in direct conflicts and were reluctant to confront the enemies at this time.
If it weren't for the fact that two of their True Monarchs had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and the important city below could not be easily abandoned, they might have considered temporarily retreating and dealing with these local powers after the Dali Dynasty's official action.
But now, the situation forced their hands, and they couldn't easily back down.He glanced at Guyue Shuyao and his group not far away and cursed them inwardly. These guys were quick to come and take advantage of the situation when there were benefits involved. However, when faced with a tough opponent, they would shrink back and refuse to contribute.
If Guyue Shuyao and his group didn't take action, their side wouldn't be able to defeat the enemy. Despite feeling displeased, Shang Han True Monarch still put on a smiling face, preparing to negotiate with Guyue Shuyao and see if they could offer some benefits to make them work for their side.
Speaking of which, the trap set up by the Three Big Merchant Families this time hadn't escaped the notice of the Gu Yue Family. Though the Gu Yue Family didn't directly participate, they had played a significant role in instigating the situation, secretly causing trouble and making ambiguous moves.
Even Meng Zhang had almost fallen into their calculations.
Just as Shang Han True Monarch was about to speak, a series of insults came from the opposite side.
"Listen up, you dogs of the Three Big Merchant Families. Since we are all here, let's quickly decide whether we will fight or cooperate and set the rules for engagement."
"Don't dilly-dally like a bunch of women, dragging things out."
Meng Zhang shouted loudly, clearly stating their position and observing the enemy's reaction.
"Sect Master Meng, this matter has nothing to do with your Taiyi Sect. Why bother wading into this mess and making enemies for yourself?"
"Aren't you afraid of acting alone and leading Taiyi Sect into an irreversible disaster?"
As Meng Zhang started hurling insults, Shang Han True Monarch had to respond. He spoke with a sinister tone, not bothering to hide the threatening undertones in his words.
Before Meng Zhang could reply, Flaming Mountain Huo Lie True Monarch, who had a hot temper, began to curse loudly.
"Spit! You bunch of ambitious bastards, who doesn't know and understand your intentions."
"Do you really think the Jiuqu League has no one and will let you act recklessly?"
"You still cling to the memory of the past Jiuqu League. Truly rebellious scum."
Compared to the skills of their tongues, Huo Lie True Monarch couldn't match someone like Shang Han True Monarch, who came from a merchant background.
With just a casual remark, Shang Han True Monarch labeled them with a big hat.
Huo Lie True Monarch wanted to continue cursing, but he was stopped by You Hongzhi True Monarch.
You Hongzhi True Monarch was more senior and had a higher status. He was also one of the initiators of this small group.Within this small group, You Hongzhi True Monarch held considerable prestige.
"Shang Han, my friend, there's no point in just talking."
"If you've schemed against us and want to put us in a desperate situation, then don't blame us for fighting back and resisting with all our might."
You Hongzhi True Monarch also had a mid-level Primordial Spirit cultivation base and carried an extraordinary demeanor. Shang Han True Monarch didn't dare to underestimate him.
Though both were merchants by origin, there should have been plenty of common ground between them. However, conflicting interests made them natural enemies.
Being competitors in the business world, the Four Seas Commercial Firm was almost forced to close down by the Three Big Merchant Families, and You Hongzhi True Monarch undoubtedly harbored a deep hatred for them.
As soon as he appeared, Shang Han True Monarch knew that saying more would be futile.
At this moment, a figure flew over from a distance. He wasn't flying too fast, clearly unwilling to get too close. However, he had no choice but to come.
This person was the long-lost True Monarch Profound Wind.
Not long after the turmoil at the Azure Origin Sect, True Monarch Profound Wind voluntarily joined the Dali Dynasty. After the establishment of Jiuqu Province, he was appointed as an Inspection Emissary in the province, responsible for inspecting and suppressing local areas, resolving disputes.
In Jiuqu Province, there were stationed garrison troops in various places, but their strength was limited, with the strongest cultivators only in the Gold Core stage. If they encountered problems that the garrison troops couldn't handle, the Inspection Emissaries would have to intervene.
Meng Zhang and the other ten Primordial Spirit True Monarchs rushed thousands of miles and arrived at the temporary headquarters of the Three Big Merchant Families. Upon receiving the news, Shang Han True Monarch immediately informed the Dali Dynasty's officials, urging them to take action to eliminate Meng Zhang and the others.
The Governor's Office had not yet responded, but the garrison troops, which had long been infiltrated by the Three Big Merchant Families, had already received the distress message.
Although they had gained many benefits, the garrison troops did not dare to intervene in the struggle between Primordial Spirit True Monarchs. They immediately reported the matter, passing this thorny issue to the Inspection Emissaries.
The Inspection Emissaries were all clever individuals who wouldn't willingly wade into this mess. They sought various excuses to avoid getting involved.
Only True Monarch Profound Wind, being newly appointed, lacked a strong foundation and connections, had no way to escape from this situation. It was his responsibility to come and handle the disputes here.
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