Chapter 654: Chapter 246: Enemy Traces
Patir cast a sidelong glance at Lu Shuai, "Don’t say I didn’t warn you, you’re not her match. Those who covet her beauty have met bad ends over the years."
Lu Shuai smiled without refuting.
This Jian Lezhi might very well be one of the Inner Hall Masters, Li Xin speculated. The twelve masters are probably not united; the old master has long secluded himself from the hall’s affairs, and the Young Master is an outsider. It all seems a bit chaotic.
"Brother Li, what’s up with the Freedom Daily you mentioned?" Lu Shuai asked curiously.
"Aunt Fei ventured out on her own, preparing to start a small newspaper with Editor-in-chief Jina. They’re about seventy to eighty percent through with the preparations," said Li Xin.
"Can we get involved?"
Lu Shuai and Patir almost spoke in unison. With their business acumen, they naturally knew the potential of Freedom Daily. The Citizen Daily’s ability to overcome its predicament and now challenge the Justice Daily is all thanks to the person in front of them.
"I suppose we can, but most of the major shares have been allocated."
"I don’t have that much money, just want to chip in a little." Lu Shuai was going down the election path, and having newspaper support was essential.
"I’m just joining for fun, a token share is enough. You’re procuring equipment, right? Luckily, that’s where my Isaiah family excels. I can help you get the most advanced and reliable ones." Patir said. Initially, she was very interested in beauty pageants and was excited for a while, but as more pageants emerged, her interest waned quickly. However, throughout the process, she realized the power of newspapers.
A girl like her, born into a family like Isaiah’s, would either be a mere vase or not have it so easy, destined to be a tool for alliance marriages. She’s never been one to pursue material things, nor was she lacking them. If she wanted freedom, or rather to control her destiny, she had to prove her prowess to the family, for only powerful people have the right to choose and can say "no."
Li Xin thought the issue wasn’t big and wouldn’t affect decisions. The more powerful people there are, the better. Lu Shuai was very influential; he could publish his views through the Freedom Daily. As for Patir, she must have substantial pocket money, which could solve the funding issues of the newspaper’s early stage. Whatever she wanted, it would be up to Aunt Fei to handle. Aunt Fei was a business genius, especially adept with women.
After parting ways with Patir, Li Xin and Lu Shuai sat in a carriage, "Brother Li, when did you get so close to Patir?"
"If I told you I was curious myself, would you believe me?" Li Xin was also quite curious.
"Girls from such big families are trained from a young age to control men. She’s definitely purposeful," Lu Shuai reminded.
Li Xin nodded, but in Dragon Capital, one can’t make only enemies without friends, uniting anyone who can be united. Currently, amid his interactions with Patir, he felt this girl was quite insightful.
"You’re planning to clash with the Hundred Martial Hall; you need to be thoroughly prepared. In Li Long, few forces dare to confront the Hundred Martial Hall." Lu Shuai still felt a bit worried.
"I actually appreciate the Hundred Martial Hall, it’s just there’s some discord at the moment. A clash is inevitable, but it’s not as if there aren’t any options," said Li Xin.
"Oh, have you prepared for talks?" Lu Shuai also felt that a head-on clash between Night Patrol and the Hundred Martial Hall was unwise.
Li Xin shook his head, "Struggle amid unity, unity amid struggle, even if you aim to cooperate with the Hundred Martial Hall, you must show sufficient strength. Otherwise, nothing can be agreed upon."
Lu Shuai understood well; his treatment before fame and after fame was entirely different.
"The Dragon Fortune Association consists of traditional forces of Li Long, although not all members support the Royal Family, they coalesce under this banner to form a highly influential force. They’re not a political party, but they count as the third force outside the Justice party and Freedom party. The leaders of these two factions need Dragon Fortune Association’s support to be elected Grand Governor. They hold eight percent of the seats in the Council; crucial moments can influence elections," Lu Shuai said.
"Do you mean Roto and Jiang Wu’s deaths are related to the election?" Li Xin asked.
"I don’t know, but one thing is certain. Even if the Enslaved Angels are formidable, they should act cautiously in Dragon Capital. He wouldn’t cause such a stir unless absolutely necessary. Thus, his choice of targets shouldn’t be random. What do you think?" Lu Shuai said.
Li Xin thought for a moment, nodding, "He’s hidden in Dragon Capital for a long time, must be someone with status, and very cautious. Such a prudent person choosing a target now likely has a deeper purpose. What you said is plausible."
Returning home, Li Xin went to his room, drew the curtains, and cast the die: Roto and Jiang Wu’s deaths are connected to Dragon Fortune Association.
The dice yielded a valid determination: nine points.
Li Xin cast the dice again: the Enslaved Angels are within Dragon Fortune Association.
The dice spun without providing a valid determination.
But this itself was information, indicating that the Enslaved Angels’ level shouldn’t interfere with the dice; the inability to determine should mean the current association is insufficient.
The dice can be a tool, but thinking must not be abandoned. This itself is the approach towards the Divine Relic: maintain independent thinking, control the Divine Relic, and not be controlled by it.
If these two deaths are related to Dragon Fortune Association, then it’s highly likely that the Enslaved Angels are connected to Dragon Fortune Association and these deaths are related to the election.
Li Xin felt he was getting closer to the truth; the deaths of Little Peel, Jiang Wu, the Enslaved Angels, Roto, and Jiang Wu all relate to this election.
Lu Shuai originally planned to help him approach Dragon Fortune Association, but Li Xin rejected the idea, as it was too dangerous. Lu Shuai didn’t have enough Hidden Power, and the angel on the road to revival was unpredictable. Besides, the relationship between them wasn’t a secret and couldn’t withstand scrutiny. He had been influenced by Tiss of the Enslaved Angels; realistically, the opponent should have noticed him.
For some reason, the opposing side didn’t take further action; was it because of Sister Kathy?
...Or could it be because of the Immortal?
During the last message delivery to Patir, he made a big impression, which might have some impact. His background depth depends on the enemy’s imagination. Night Patrol’s identity doesn’t allow him to hide in the shadows; if hiding is impossible, then the way to make enemies wary or focus attention on him is through deterrence.
Regarding Dragon Fortune Association’s affairs, it’s best to set them aside for now. Resolving the matter of the Black Market is a crucial step in his ensuing plans.
Divpo City.
In recent times, many people have been dying daily in the Sarawo Mine; the new superintendent Rahul was outraged to find the Rotos having ample rest times, so he started increasing work hours, whipping them into action to boost production.
The mine’s output increased by fifty percent almost instantly, the result being daily deaths. The new Rahul was different from before, enforcing new rules; every moment, everyone must work to their utmost to enhance output, only then are they allowed to use wooden fish to pray to the three deities. Otherwise, divine protection is not permitted.
Rotos bleed dirty blood from birth, here to atone, not to enjoy life.
Under coercion and intimidation, the mine returned to its previous state. Batty and others discussed having Bamuta contact Karoni to see if they could make concessions. Among them, only Bamuta was of Sheren status, but Karoni didn’t meet Bamuta, even expressing dissatisfaction with their past slacking.
Essentially, Karoni was Tishili, who only saw Rotos as two types: useful ones and dead ones. Batty and others’ unrealistic expectations regarding Tishili was wishful thinking.
In a simple hut, eight people sat around, Yalamu clasped his hands together, "Batty, if this continues, the casualties are too severe; this Rahul treats us like beasts."
"Worse than beasts, more ruthless than the previous one; each shantytown sees dozens dying daily, even more injured," Jose said harshly, "I can hardly hold back anymore!"
Jose clenched his fists tightly, suppressing his anger with faith and reason. There had been rebellions before, but the result was more deaths; many Rotos preferred dying over participating in resistance.
"Should we ask that esteemed figure for guidance?" Yalamu suggested.
Everyone’s breath quickened in anticipation as they looked at Batty, only Batty could communicate with the revered Avogadro’s presence. Many Rotos in the mine invoked His name, but no one received a response.
Batty hesitated, but it was Bamuta who decisively said, "No!"
