996 The Commerce League’s Decision (1/2)
Lang Fantian had already turned pale, tiny beads of sweat dotted his face while his breathing became uneven. An ace cultivator like himself should not have been seen in such a state.
It was solely because he was the only one who could say what he had said, as a Vice Chief, as a sworn brother, as both combined. If the words had come from anyone else, they would probably be killed by now.
Nonetheless, Lang Fantian felt much lighter now that he had poured everything he had wanted to say out.
Throughout these years, the commerce league's abilities had grown stronger and the Chief's influence and fierceness had grown alongside it; that his prestige came without him having to lash out was merely an understatement. There were also groups of people in the league who were just waiting for an opportunity to pounce. In a nutshell, these were detrimental to the General Commerce League; they were brewing issues that could lead to a full extinction.
Take the current incident for example; prior to this, the commerce league would first think of sincere collaboration and supporting the Residence of Nine Supremes when they met an organization like it, better yet if they could work together seamlessly. Now, however, the Chief had thought of the sect as a threat almost instantly when they were still in a partnership.
This was an incredibly unhealthy frame of mind!
A long time had passed again before Xiao Jianghu finally picked up his head from the dead silence. He looked up into the sky and spoke faintly, ”Fantian, thank you. Being brothers for so many years, today is the one time I'm most thankful to you!”
”I believe that you already have a plan, this younger brother is only…” Lang Fantian replied feverishly with a shudder.
”No need to be humble,” said Xiao Jianghu softly, ”A commerce league is a commerce league. Your reminder is correct! I've been on too high a pedestal these years. This time, you've looked at things farther than I have…”
Words of comfort began to spill from the masses simultaneously.
”I shall draft a rule after this contest, to stop the wild ambition that the commerce league shouldn't have had. Like Fantian had said, the commerce league is a commerce league. Never deviating from the way of trade is the way to go.”
Xiao Jianghu chuckled bitterly. ”If we were to push ourselves higher, even if we've come to the day when we've gone past the Sacred Heart Palace, could we actually surpass the Celestial Court? We'll be wiped out sooner or later. Why not maintain the presence of a trader and play a crucial role among the forces – this is the way to harmonious longevity.”
”Since that's the case, let's show a slight sign of weakness when we can still stop upon reaching a certain level, be reserved about our own faculties. This is how we can secure our organization and sustain it eternally…”
”Brilliant, Lord Chief!”
A voice rang out all of a sudden, outside of the window.
When the group turned to the source of that voice, it was Zhang Changgong who had gone back to his youth, walking in airily, looking pleased. ”This old one… can die with no regrets being able to hear what Lord Chief has just said!”
”Senior Zhang!”
Lang Fantian's term of address reminded everyone of this person's identity, consequentially shocking the mass into rounded eyes.
”Senior Heaven Sword!” Xiao Jianghu was prepared for Zhang Changgong's change of physical state, but the sight was still too much of a surprise that his eyes bulged. When had he ever expected the old man who had one foot in the coffin to be so thoroughly rejuvenated to his youth?
The group's conversation turned heated upon Zhang Changgong's arrival.
”Regardless, the exchange in the Spirit's Grave must still go on tomorrow. It's necessary that we obtain the Qi of vitality. We'll just recompense Leader Yun better next time.”
Xiao Jianghu spoke ultimately, ”Not only is advancing to the upper-class banner our wish for many, many years, but it's also the key to our league's future standing… If Senior Li Yixin couldn't recover, the General Commerce League has no chance of winning.”
”I think he can,” Zhang Changgong replied with a faint smile.