Capítulo 43: Chapter 43: I Won't Lose
Northwest Region.
After the previous show of force from the Yao Guang, the major powers had considerably restrained themselves. Even the spies stationed outside the Mansion of the Lord had withdrawn to a safer distance.
These things, not to mention Yu Heng and Yao Guang, could be detected even by someone at the Heavenly Origin Realm. However, they paid no attention. At least they had already conveyed their attitude.
Jiang Ce also used Yao Guang's influence to summon the heads of the major forces, ordering them to come to the Mansion of the Lord for an audience. Those who didn't comply would bear the consequences.
Yao Guang also subtly hinted at her consummate Heavenly Origin Realm cultivation. This created an aura of deterrence around the surrounding forces. After some deliberation, the major forces decided to visit the Mansion of the Lord.
After all, Jiang Yuanzhou was just at the later stage of Heavenly Origin Realm. He had suppressed them for so many years, and now there was a Peak Heavenly Origin Realm. Furthermore, these powerhouses were either in the top three regions or in the imperial capital of the Nanyao Empire. There were no such experts in the other realms.
However, they also kept a backup plan. If things went awry, they could always resort to drastic measures. If they went to war, they would be prepared for the worst.
Mansion of the Lord.
Jiang Ce sat at the head, sipping hot tea and paying no attention to the arrivals. As for Jiang Yuanzhou, he had gradually handed over power to Jiang Ce. Yu Heng and Yao Guang didn't appear in person; they sat by the side of the hall, concealed behind a curtain.
The newcomers naturally noticed, but they weren't foolish enough to probe with their spiritual senses. They couldn't risk detecting the Heavenly Origin Realm powerhouse, lest they end up without a place to cry.
Once the arrivals were more or less present, Jiang Ce cast a glance over them before setting down his teacup and sitting upright. Over time, Jiang Yuanzhou had entrusted more and more authority to Jiang Ce.
The guests were nearly all accounted for. Some appeared familiar to Jiang Ce, while others were unfamiliar faces. Undoubtedly, all of them were top-tier powerhouses in the Northwestern Region.
Around ten people had arrived, with the weakest being at the later stage of the Profound Origin Realm. Some were even at the Heavenly Origin Realm. Jiang Ce knew, however, that these were just the figureheads. The ones who lived for ages were hiding even deeper.
"I wonder if Young Master Jiang called us here for some important matters to discuss?"
Since no one else spoke up, a portly middle-aged man looked disdainfully at Jiang Ce, making it clear that he wasn't taking him seriously. In his eyes, Jiang Ce was just a young brat with delusions of grandeur, thinking that by bringing a consummate Heavenly Origin Realm expert, he could look down on everyone else.
Jiang Ce cast a glance at the portly man, naturally recognizing him. He was the chairman of the largest chamber of commerce in the Northwestern Region, a fairly influential power. What really interested Jiang Ce was the chamber of commerce he presided over.
He had been contemplating on whom to target. He hadn't expected someone to emerge so quickly.
"There are two reasons for gathering everyone here today," Jiang Ce said, ignoring the portly man and looking at the people around him.
The portly man's face turned somewhat dark. He had actually been dismissed by a junior, and not just any junior, but one who treated him so arrogantly. Normally, who wouldn't show him the utmost respect?
Did he believe that shouting 'Young Master' would elevate him to a position of importance? Whether the Mansion of the Lord could even continue existing was another question altogether.
"The first thing is that I will take over the position of the Regional Lord from now on." Jiang Ce glanced around after speaking, wanting to see how they reacted.
"Young Master, this isn't a minor matter. It requires the approval of the Nanyao Empire. The Emperor needs to issue an inheritance decree for this succession, which is a bit presumptuous," the old man expressed it diplomatically, but his meaning was clear. After all, the Nanyao Empire's influence over the major regions was waning. How could they let go of such a good opportunity?
Jiang Ce chuckled and glanced around at everyone.
"What do you think?"
The leaders of the major forces exchanged glances, opting to wait and observe. After all, the consummate Heavenly Origin Realm expert hadn't acted yet.
Sure enough, in the next moment, a teacup of water flew out from behind the curtain, hitting the old man directly in the forehead.
The old man's eyes widened in disbelief as he fell backward.
This unexpected turn stunned the heads of the surrounding forces. Who knew if they would be next? After all, the old man's strength ranked high among them, and his cultivation was at the early stage of Heavenly Origin Realm.
That's why he had spoken up first. Yet, he had been killed by a mere drop of tea. Clearly, the attacker's strength didn't match his outward appearance.
"Is there anything else you wish to say now?" Jiang Ce looked at the group coldly.
"We pay our respects, Lord of the Region," the group exchanged glances and chose to submit. Even the portly middle-aged man followed suit. If they were killed, they would lose everything.
"The second matter," Jiang Ce continued.
"The Mansion of the Lord is lacking in power. I hope that your forces can submit to the Mansion of the Lord and be under its command. Furthermore, contribute half of your assets to replenish the treasury," Jiang Ce's words were shocking.
Not only did he demand submission, but he also asked them to surrender half of their assets. What did he take them for?
Although the Mansion of the Lord was highly regarded in each region, the relationship was more one of coexistence without interference. Even Jiang Yuanzhou, Jiang Ce's father, wouldn't make such a demand. After all, the implications were too broad. Without a formidable force to suppress dissent, chaos could erupt.
"I disagree on behalf of the Yang family."
"The Li family is against it as well."
…
Among the dozen or so forces, about half refused. After all, these legacies had been passed down through generations. How could they so easily submit their legacy to another?
"What about you?" Jiang Ce looked at the other group of people who hadn't voted.
In fact, he was uncertain as well. After all, almost all of these individuals were the heads of major forces in the Northwestern Region. Once they were killed, it would likely lead to chaos in the region.
Moreover, the other regions were currently eyeing the Northwestern Region covetously. Killing these people would mean severing a vital arm for the Northwestern Region. As for the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce, Jiang Ce wasn't particularly trusting of them, nor did he want to have any entanglements with them.
However, the immediate situation needed to be addressed properly. Failing to do so would scatter the reputation he had built up today. If it came down to it, he couldn't be blamed for it. He was stirring up trouble for the Kyushu Chamber of Commerce, which they deserved.
"Kill them!" With the arrow drawn, Jiang Ce had no choice but to let it fly. The Kyushu Chamber of Commerce wouldn't let chaos erupt in the Northwestern Region.
Yu Heng was about to act, but he sensed something and lowered his raised hand.
"Stop." A female voice came from outside the door, followed by a young woman dressed in white who entered. The young woman wore a veil over her face, and a masked young man followed behind her.
When Jiang Ce saw the woman, he felt a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen her somewhere before, but he couldn't recall where.
Yu Heng and Yao Guang naturally recognized the newcomers. Since their own young miss was behaving like this, it seemed she didn't want to reveal her identity. They had no intention of exposing her.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder