Chapter 236 – Seizing Control Underground, Forging Weapons For Battle - Part 2
Back when Li Yuan lived in Gemhill County, the Ginger Tavern, Blood Blade Sect, and his birds had all been his eyes and ears. But now that he was inside the Holy Tree Temple’s city stronghold in Skygarden Prefecture, his network was much smaller. It simply wasn’t enough.
If recent events—like the suspicious intel-gathering on his family—could unfold right under his nose with no warning, then he was effectively blind to the threats around him. Blessings or curses, if they went unseen, they could strike before he had any chance to react. He had to rebuild his network of informants—his eyes—or he might not notice looming dangers until it was too late.
Night fell. Everything was silent; the swaying shadows of trees under the wind looked like ghosts. A drunken man staggered down the dark streets. Those with money spent their nights at an establishment that was part gambling den, part brothel, part auction house—a den of vice hidden behind a narrow, twisting alley. At its end, however, the place opened up into a cavernous courtyard.
The Black Wolf Gang was nestled deep in one such claustrophobic alleyway. At the far end was a surprisingly spacious compound. Wang Linji, the gang’s leader, was doing his usual rounds in this lavish money pit before heading into his private palace.
As soon as he stepped inside, he spotted the very person he served. Silently closing the door behind him, he bowed respectfully to the young man sitting in his chair, helping himself to fine wine and fresh fruit.
“Master,” Wang Linji greeted. “Congratulations on becoming a recognized weaponsmith.”
Li Yuan waved him off. “Have you tracked down the ones who were investigating my family?”
“Yes, Master,” Wang Linji said. “We found them all, some higher-ups from our own Wild Wolf Gang, plus people from the Old Oakhouse and Black Cloaks. Getting hold of the people from the latter two groups will be trickier, but I’m working on it.”
Li Yuan nodded. “I’m not looking to kill them. I just want to keep a close eye and feed them false information when they strike again.”
Understanding dawned in Wang Linji’s expression. “So that’s your plan...”
Li Yuan continued, “If these operatives are spread out across three organizations, maybe there’s a hidden group above them pulling the strings?”
After a moment’s thought, Wang Linji replied, “I’ve heard rumors of a secret network called Night Breeze. It’s possible they have people planted within all three of our factions.”