Chapter 2197 - 1188: The Price

"Hiss—"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao drew a sharp breath; the two individuals Sheng Yanlin intended to reach out to were both renowned figures in the martial arts world.

Mo Family ranks among the Ten Great Sects, a top-level force in the martial arts world, possessing a strength far superior to that of Yiling Academy, which originated from education, comparable to the Upper Three Bookshops.

Furthermore, the Southern Border Liu Family is also a dominant force in the martial arts world. The current Family Head, Liu Chengfeng, is acclaimed as the first Space System Apostle in the Southern Border, earning the praise as the Southern Border Air Marquis.

The overall strength of the Southern Border Liu Family is not weaker than Yiling Academy during its peak when Sheng Yanlin held power.

Coincidentally, my good brother Fu Qingzhu recently exploited the Liu Family for some benefits.

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Xiao couldn’t help but remind, "It would be best if the Mo Family and Liu Family offered their assistance, but Elder Sheng, times have changed over the past ten years; the world has become treacherous, and we must be cautious."

"I trust these friends, but you are right, please share your thoughts." Sheng Yanlin passed the baton back to Yang Xiao, eager to hear his opinion.

Nowadays, in discussing major matters, Elder Sheng has naturally come to regard Yang Xiao as somewhat of a peer.

After all, at Yang Xiao’s age, Sheng Yanlin has never seen a young person more brilliant, not even close, except for a rare few.

"We definitely need to reach out for help; otherwise, if conflict arises, we’ll suffer great losses. Moreover, compared to Sheng Jingxuan, we have a disadvantage; he can hire experts from the Chamber of Commerce, but we can’t. Given the implications for my Patrol General Bureau’s plans, the Chamber of Commerce and United Federation will surely seek to pose obstacles secretly."

"In my view, you should dispatch letters; we’ll find reliable people to deliver them and simultaneously notify my Patrol Defense Office to monitor the activities of the Mo Family and Liu Family."

"If there’s any leakage or collaboration with Sheng Jingxuan, we’ll be prepared in advance." Yang Xiao considered the entire plan from a strategic perspective.

"I agree with you; let’s proceed accordingly." Sheng Yanlin folded his hands behind his back and nodded, "You’re right; it’s a crucial matter. Trust must be tempered with caution; I suffered for this reason once, although I trust these old friends."

"By the way, regarding the academy’s reclamation, I’m afraid our adversaries won’t only include the helpers Sheng Jingxuan enlists; I’m worried the Dharma Sect’s experts might mix in amongst them." Yang Xiao expressed concern.

The Dharma Sect’s strength undoubtedly surpasses the Mo Family and Southern Border Liu Family. If they send high-level experts to aid, then the situation will become troublesome.

Although there’s a risk of conflict if the Dharma Sect abruptly sends experts into the realm, there’s no choice given their precedent transgressions; they are forced to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sheng Jingxuan’s group of rebels at Yiling Academy.

Once Sheng Yanlin reclaims the academy, cleanses it of rebels, and takes back control, under his leadership, Yiling Academy will surely unite with the Esoteric Sect to jointly confront the Dharma Sect.

On this concern, Sheng Yanlin dismissed it with laughter, "Haha, you’re overthinking. Presently, the Esoteric Priest has deployed heavy forces at the border between the two sects, led by Nalin Commander with numerous Esoteric experts heading to the frontlines. The Dharma Sect is also preparing heavily, with a major confrontation poised to erupt between the two sects."

"Their experts are insufficient, so how could they spare any effort to worry about my rebellious brother’s wellbeing?"

This prompted Yang Xiao’s heart to pause, murmuring softly, "Is a fight really imminent?"

He had heard Tai Wenqin mention the current border standoff between the two sects en route, yet during his casual chat with Cannibal Buddha today, the conversation was light and he noticed none of the tense vibes typical before a major battle.

Considering the opposition is the Dharma Sect, both being top-level forces alongside the Esoteric Sect among the Four Great Families of Yin Temple, Cannibal Buddha shouldn’t underestimate them.

Seeing Yang Xiao’s face reveal tension, Elder Sheng laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively, "Of course it’s fake; this is all a play orchestrated by the Esoteric Priest for the Dharma Sect—a feigned tactic designed to prevent them from reallocating forces and attending to my rebellious brother."

"However, despite the act being false, there is truth within; should the Dharma Sect dispatch actual expert reinforcements to aid my inept brother, then the play would become reality."

"Nalin Commander will immediately lead forces southwards to attack major fortresses at the border occupied by the Dharma Sect, subsequently accompanied by Esoteric Priests and armies until the decades-built defensive line of the Dharma Sect is thoroughly breached."

"One option is their own territory, the other my inept brother a thousand miles away; surely the White Robe Dharma King is aware of the priorities." Sheng Yanlin narrowed his eyes, stroking the silver beard on his chin coldly.’

"Brilliant, an all-encompassing strategy—truly worthy of a father!" Yang Xiao’s eyes gleamed.

"Hey, I see you’ve quickly adapted to your new role." Sheng Yanlin said incredulously.

Yang Xiao glanced at Elder Sheng, lowering his voice with intent, "Elder Sheng, for the Esoteric Priest to assist you in reclaiming the academy, he has spent a considerable fortune; such a favor is undeniably profound."

"Don’t try to trick me into revealing anything; you’re wondering what I’ve promised the Esoteric Sect, aren’t you?"

Recognizing Yang Xiao’s ploy instantly, Sheng Yanlin slowly replied, "I’ve promised the Esoteric Priest that once I reclaim the academy, they may take five treasures from the academy’s treasure vault, and the Scripture Pavilion below level five will be permanently open to the Esoteric Elder Council. I will personally identify thirty Resentful Eyes for them annually at no charge."