Chapter 1695 - 870: Peace Under Heaven (2)

Not to mention East City, even an unrelated person would feel that this bastard is outrageously wicked.

As Chen Xingzhou said, as long as you climb high enough, in the eyes of many people, even breathing can be an original sin.

What's more, he wants to presumptuously change the original rules.

One hand on the Seven Cities, and the other on the Coast.

Now, he already has the weight to tip the balance at critical moments.

Originally, Ji Jue was nothing more than a mere troublemaker, but now, he has transformed from a thorn in their side to a knife pressed against their back.

At this crucial moment between East City and Hai Province, too many people want him out of the way—wouldn't it be wonderful if Ji Jue suddenly dropped dead?

Eh? Why aren't you dead yet!

"..."

Ji Jue was silent when he heard this, and after a long time, he sighed softly, "Desert Market, it's getting a bit too urbanized."

He lowered his gaze, staring at his right hand, his fingers twitching, opening, and closing.

It's getting a bit itchy.

These maggots that can't live without a cesspool should just die out!

"Don't worry, you have plenty of opportunities, Ji Jue."

Chen Xingzhou smiled knowingly, "Remember what I said before? After dealing with the Seven Cities' Desert Market, I might need your help...

I originally wanted to wait until you've steadied your footing, but now, it seems it might have to be earlier than expected."

"Does it have anything to do with the second matter we talked about?" Ji Jue asked.

"Exactly."

Chen Xingzhou nodded decisively, smiling silently, his face animated—whoever invented someone like Ji Jue? Speaking with him is so effortless, just a hint and he understands completely.

"That's why East City dares to overextend its reach, and recently why Desert Markets across regions are starting to make small moves..."

Truth be told, it's not a big issue.

At most, it's just some rumors.

Initially, it was a rumor from the headquarters, and now, many well-informed people in Desert Market have already heard it.

It's said to be trivial chatter from a few leaders during a tea break...

"So, here's the problem."

Ji Jue asked curiously, "How could such a secret and important matter spread so widely, letting so many people know?"

"Yes, why indeed?"

Chen Xingzhou repeatedly sighed, "It's really quite strange."

This odd matter is baffling enough to scratch one's head over.

According to the words from the chatting leaders: The Hermit, who had not interfered in Desert Markets for a century, has suddenly made new moves. Since cutting down the Mountain Wolf in White Country, plans have been made to act internally again.

The critical point is, in the Hermit's view...

Some rules need changing!

At this point, the situation is still normal; after all, it's just about changing some rules, everyone is used to it, new rulers, new ministers. The rules are as the leaders say, and even changing them is a simple matter of words.

More important, however, is another accompanying rumor.

—The Hermit senses deficiencies in Desert Market's structure and intends to elevate willing leaders among different regions further!

Since the dust settled after the Tianyuan White Deer conflict, there have been almost no significant changes in Desert Market's structure.

Leaders ensure stability and grant regional branches maximum autonomy, and although the leaders have no taboos, they are ultimately confined by their own official duties, constrained by the regions in a disguised manner.

This has its advantages and drawbacks.

The advantage is avoiding meaningless internal friction between Desert Market branches and decentralizing to preserve vitality as much as possible during Tianyuan's dominance, resulting in today's bizarre amalgamation appearance.

The drawback is, for most people, once they sit in the Dragon Head position, it could be the end of the road for them!

The leader's position is too lofty, and the distance between Dragon Heads and leaders is so vast that they don't even dare to imagine it.

Thus, from then on, losing hope, everyone just manages their own little patch, while people like Lei Wuye can dominate Cliff City for decades, surviving on balance from all sides, idling away, living on by a thread.

Finally, unable to watch any longer, the Hermit plans to add more burdens to White Deer who still wish to progress!

Thus, in the future, a special permit will be granted to some Dragon Heads...

Allowing their status and authority no longer to be limited by regional branch restrictions, enabling them to expand their business and operations freely within their capabilities!

As long as they hold the special permit, they can directly take orders to the Empire, sell Empire goods directly to the Federation without having to painstakingly clear channels, without having to look forward and backward, sharing profits with a group of people.

If you want the treasure, you get it!

Just take what you fancy, darling; as long as you can take it, it's all yours!

"...More or less, that's the gist of it."

After Chen Xingzhou finished, Ji Jue was plunged into a long silence.

He was utterly stunned.

No wonder...

From Iron Hook District to Hidden Mist Reef to Gray Port and East City, those Desert Market branches looked like they were starving mad, crazily accumulating power, hovering along the edge of rules, ready to fight desperately at any moment!

Just a single permit, yet it has completely shattered all the previous limitations imposed on Desert Market branches, while catalyzing a batch of powerful newcomers through internal strife among the local strongmen.

It's tantamount to adding a new layer in the hierarchy between leaders and Dragon Heads.

Anyone who heard the rumor must consider whether this is their only chance in life and whether they would weep with envy watching others ascend gloriously in the future.

There's only one answer: rebuilding the glory of the White Deer is our duty!

Anyone who hesitates even for a second is a Tianyuan-sent dog spy!

In this precious short time, every decision-maker began frantically gathering all resources within their reach, controlling their channels, and securing their power, waiting for that crucial opportunity!

As for those who didn't receive the news, aren't strong enough, lack keen senses, and aren't well-connected, who else should die if not you?

Even if the signaling gun hasn't cast its shadow, the secret race has already begun.

Amongst the tigers, leopards, and wolves sharpening their claws, some clueless about the competition sat idly on the starting line, while other participants inadvertently stepped onto the race, even blocking others...

"...What a beautiful cut it is."

Ji Jue sighed in admiration and praise.

Through the endless chaos and disturbance before him, with these two insignificant rumors, it felt as though he had glimpsed the Hermit behind the maneuvering.

This cut, still unsheathed, had already severed the chains on countless beasts' necks.

Easily stirring their hunger and greed, driving them into a bloodthirsty frenzy.

For the past month, Desert Market's headquarters remained silent, coldly watching, letting rumors ferment and spread, already approving a consistent response to 91 complaints, tacitly allowing and endorsing the ravenous faces of the tigers and wolves.

Whatever preparations you make, whatever tests you conduct, whatever battles you wage...

[The leaders are aware]

Thus, one can foresee the coming stormy tempest, turbulent waves.

Havoc that will sweep through Desert Market, shaking the entire underworld, and the...

chaos of the world!