CHAPTER 549: CHAPTER 549. PREPARING TO SIEGE BRIGHT ROCK CITY

Pai Kuan and Lei San were dumbstruck by Amon’s threat. They indeed wanted to force Amon to choose one of them, but they didn’t expect Amon to say that he wanted the whole pie for himself. Now that Amon mentioned it, they didn’t think it was a far-fetched claim. With the status and power Amon wielded, the Lin Hei Sect could indeed take over their superiority in White Cloud City if it wished so.

After making sure the two people before him understood the severity of his threat, Amon sat back in his chair and said, "I, however, am not a selfish prick who tries to devour everything. I believe subcontracting is better than trying to manage everything myself. That’s why I work with the two of you, and I like our cooperation. So, you two play nice, okay?"

The two weren’t happy, but they didn’t protest. They just sat silently. Amon understood it would be difficult to pacify the two of them. The Lei Clan had grown huge enough to threaten the White Cloud Sect. As the saying goes, a mountain could not have two tigers. One had to step aside.

Amon told them, "I once promised to help the White Cloud Sect maintain their status in White Cloud City. I will honor that deal."

Pai Kuan’s face brightened upon hearing that, while Lei San frowned.

Before the two could make any comments, Amon added, "However, I will not help the White Cloud Sect get rid of the Lei Clan. If you two wish to continue fighting for dominance over White Cloud City, that is your choice, but I have a better proposition."

"What proposition?" Lei San asked.

"The king plans to rebuild Qishurg City," Amon answered. "Trust me when I say the city holds a special meaning in His Majesty’s heart. The funds and resources allocated for rebuilding will be substantial. The rebuilt city was meant to be grander than before. The Lin Hei Sect is already preparing to build a branch there once the reconstruction starts. The Lin Hei Sect will need a partner to dominate this new city."

Pai Kuan and Lei San glanced at one another. Dominating a new city came with its risks. A newly built city could fail and didn’t meet expectations. It might be deserted. When that happened, those who invested early might lose everything. Waiting until the city looked lucrative enough was a wiser move.

If they had received news from a regular channel, they would have chosen the wiser approach. But from Amon’s words, King Huang Ti sounded determined to rebuild the city. This meant the project would not be abandoned. Funds would continue to flow. In terms of developing in a new city, those who planted roots earlier would reap better rewards.

"The White Cloud Sect will gladly expand to new Qishurg City," Pai Kuan declared.

"The Lei Clan as well," Lei San said.

Amon shook his head. "Only one of you will become Lin Hei Sect’s partner in Qishurg City," Amon said. "The one who wishes for this opportunity has to leave White Cloud City."

Pai Kuan and Lei San’s eyes turned wide upon Amon’s announcement.

"Are you two going to discuss and decide who goes where? Or do you want me to decide for you?" Amon asked.

"This is a big decision," Pai Kuan said. "I need to consult with my sect master."

"Me too," Lei San said. Expanding to another city and moving to one was a different issue. They already had their roots in White Cloud City. No matter how lucrative the prospect of the new city, it would not be easy to leave behind their roots.

Amon told them, "When you make your decision, contact San Guo. He will coordinate with you on the next steps. Don’t take too long, though. The king might be distracted due to the unexpected invasions, but the rebuilding will still start in one or two weeks. I want to receive your decision by then."

The two nodded.

Amon added, "The one who remained at White Cloud City will receive a thirty percent discount on all products and services from the Lin Hei Sect. As for the one who chooses to develop at Qishurg City, they will receive ten percent and full support from the Lin Hei Sect and its associates."

The two knew the associate Amon referred to. With the protection of the Demon Gang, they didn’t need to worry about getting picked on when they were still adjusting to the new place.

"General Amon was truly generous," Pai Kuan praised.

"You’ve mistaken," Amon said. "I never said I gave that last offer for free. You need to do something in return."

"Oh...? What does General Amon want in exchange?" Pai Kuan asked.

"Every half a year, send me ten cultivators of your sect or clan to join my First Demon Army. They must be below thirty years old with cultivation at least Peak Transformation Stage," Amon answered.

"Ge... General. Peak Transformation Stage cultivators below thirty years old are considered talented. Such individuals will be highly valued in our sect," Pai Kuan argued.

"Very well then. Intermediate Transformation Stage cultivators below thirty years old, but I will require two times their number in exchange."

"I... I will discuss this matter with my sect master," Pai Kuan said.

"You do that," Amon replied. He turned to Lei San, who responded, "I believe I should be able to give you a favorable response soon."

"Good," Amon said, and dismissed the two.

His request for cultivators was not limited to these two organizations. Amon asked San Guo and Gao Lan to spread the request to all the clans they worked with all over the kingdom. In exchange for better prices and services, they would send their cultivators to join the First Demon Army. Amon considered them as levies. It was similar to how the Royal Academy recruited young cultivators from clans into the kingdom’s service.

He had been given the authority to grow his army, so he didn’t have to rely on the transfer coordinated by the Grand Barrack. This method would ensure he always had a steady stream of recruits to replenish his troops.

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In the Western part of Echos Kingdom, Jiang Tong’s army was approaching Bright Rock City.

The city was built on a rocky hill called Bright Rock Hill, the same name as the city it was built on. The rocks on this hill were mostly white, which contributed to its name. Because the city was built on a hill, it had multiple layers of elevation. At the highest part was a grand tower that served as the city hall. Its high elevation allowed it a wide view of its surroundings. Whoever was stationed there should have noticed the incoming army.

Jiang Tong’s army stopped their march a distance away from the foot of the hill and reorganized their formation into one for a siege.

"How should we approach this?" Liu Xun asked Jiang Tong. He used to be Jiang Bo’s follower. After Jiang Bo’s demise, he was promoted to the rank of Major General and replaced Jiang Bo as Jiang Tong’s assistant.

"With our size, sneak attack is out of the picture," Jiang Tong answered. "We will go with a frontal attack."

"They might use the citizens as hostages," Liu Xun said.

"There will always be casualties in war. It can’t be avoided," Jiang Tong responded.

Liu Xun nodded. His face showed he had reservations, thought.

"If there is something on your mind, speak!" Jiang Tong ordered. "I don’t need a squeamish officer who can’t stand losing the lives of a few innocents."

"Forgive me, general. It’s not that I disagree," Liu Xun replied with a salute. "I just find it strange. They should have noticed us. Yet, we hear no alarm."

Jiang Tong turned his attention back to the city. "Hm, it is certainly odd. I don’t see or hear big movements from inside the city. It is as if the city has been deserted."

"Previous reports indicated that the envoys we sent into the city were attacked upon approach."

"All right. Send in a scout team first. Let’s see their response," Jiang Tong ordered. "There is a chance the force occupying the city had left after hearing the news about us coming."

Liu Xun proceeded to give the order. Soon, a group of five soldiers gathered before them. They were all Beginning Transformation Stage soldiers with good movement arts.

"Approach the city," Liu Xun instructed. "See if there is any resistance. If you can enter the city, check if there are any hostiles inside. If you encounter resistance, do not engage. Return immediately."

The five acknowledged their order and bowed their heads. They then turned and started running toward the city. They split midway and approached the city from different directions.

When they were about to reach the city wall, there were finally movements from the city. Many figures jumped out of the city wall and landed before the scouts. These figures immediately charged toward the scouts. There was no sign of them attempting communication.

The scouts heeded Liu Xun’s order. They turned back once the figures charged at them. However, some of these figures used ranged weapons. They also had good movement arts. The five scouts were quickly caught up and slaughtered.

"The enemies are using strange equipment," Liu Xun said as he squinted his eyes. His eyes emitted a soft glow. Jiang Tong understood Liu Xun was using martial arts that enhanced his perception, Eagle Eye. It allowed his sight to zoom in and see distant objects.

"What kind of strange equipment?" Jiang Tong asked.

"It is a weird helmet that connects to a backpack they carried. Something long is protruding from that backpack," Liu Xun answered. "All of them are wearing the same thing."