Chapter 695: Chapter 695 The Lesser Of Two Evils
"Higher-ups are losing patience with our Capital City Martial Arts Association," the man declared gravely. "We need to minimize using our own resources."
The elderly woman’s brow creased as she let out a sharp snort. "What excuse are they using now?"
A weary sigh escaped the man’s lips. "They refuse to let any single organization dominate everything, you get it?"
Something clicked for the old woman.
Mr. River’s previous message had been crystal clear—they wanted the Capital City Martial Arts Association’s resources distributed.
"Got it." The old woman drew in a long breath.
"We can back any group whenever we choose."
"Plus... every sect out there has our people embedded."
The man gave a slight nod. "Good that you comprehend."
Rather than continue talking, the old woman shifted her attention to the Heaven Swallowing Python’s head.
Minutes ticked by.
The old woman materialized in the Capital City Martial Arts Association’s detention facility.
Phoebe Billy stood at her side.
"Grab a few Marquis and bring them with me," she commanded icily, scanning the captives.
Phoebe hesitantly inquired, "What’s their purpose?"
Her expression hardened as she snapped, "That’s not your concern. Just do what I say."
Phoebe quickly bobbed his head. "Understood."
Following her instructions, he chose eight Marquis from the cells.
These eight believed they’d receive special privileges, completely unaware they’d soon become the Heaven Swallowing Python’s meal.
Using Marquis as sustenance was a practice that would make anyone’s blood run cold.
——
I found myself in the basement at that moment.
"The Capital City Martial Arts Association has thrown you away," I stated coldly, staring at Sybil Cooper.
Sybil’s face twisted as he shouted back, "That’s bullshit! I run the Capital City Martial Arts Association, I hold ultimate authority. I..."
"Do you really?" I cut through his protest.
"We both understand you’re just a puppet, Sybil Cooper. The real power stays hidden in the shadows, doesn’t it?"
Sybil’s complexion grew ugly, his features shifting constantly.
"I’ve given the Capital City Martial Arts Association decades of service, and now I wield even greater influence. They can’t possibly discard me!" Sybil snarled.
I laughed mockingly. "Stop lying to yourself, Sybil. Pawns get sacrificed whenever convenient, especially by them."
"Never, never!" Sybil’s face contorted with rage and bitter resentment!
His furious roar bounced endlessly throughout the basement.
The tremendous power caused the basement walls to crumble!
I ignored Sybil completely.
I spun around and exited the basement, concern etched across my features.
"Looks like... I need to start planning my next moves," I mused internally.
Once Sybil died, the Capital City Martial Arts Association would operate without restraints. They could deploy forces anytime or even assault Green Moon Villa directly!
Green Moon Villa now housed hundreds of students, and I couldn’t just abandon them to save myself.
"Maybe installing a mountain defense array at Green Moon Villa would help," I pondered.
Setting up a powerful protective formation wouldn’t challenge my abilities.
But the Capital City Martial Arts Association possessed even stronger masters! They might shatter any barrier instantly!
This dilemma weighed heavily on my mind.
When night fell, sleep eluded me completely.
I decided to get up, leave Green Moon Villa, and find somewhere to wander.
I ended up at a peaceful bar and ordered something to drink.
The soft, calming music helped ease my troubled thoughts considerably.
"Maybe I’ve been pushing too hard recently," I muttered to myself.
My mind stayed wound tight almost every single day.
This unexpected relaxation felt incredibly refreshing.
"Drinking by yourself?"
A woman’s voice suddenly spoke from nearby.
I turned to see a shapely woman with flowing waves sitting behind me.
"Don’t remember me?" The woman sipped her drink casually.
She looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her immediately.
"We crossed paths at a Capital City bar once." The woman offered a hint.
Everything clicked into place.
Back then, I’d been concealed under my cloak when this woman approached me and even handed me her business card.
"If my memory serves me right, your name is... Stella Lucas." I studied the woman before me.
She smiled softly. "Seems Mr. Raymond hasn’t forgotten me."
I couldn’t help grinning.
I looked at her and smirked. "This makes twice you’ve sought me out. Cut to the chase—what do you want from me?"
Stella sipped her drink and chuckled. "What if I told you I want to recruit you? Would you buy that?"
"Recruit me?" I raised an eyebrow, almost amused.
Stella nodded earnestly. "Exactly, recruit you. Wouldn’t you like some serious backup?"
"Serious backup? How serious? Stronger than the Capital City Martial Arts Association? More connected than the Sean family?" I scoffed.
Stella remained calm, smiling gently. "We can’t match them domestically, that’s true."
"Ah, so another foreign group—the Michelle Sect? Or maybe that Ice Palace?" I laughed harder.
Stella paused briefly, then nodded. "You’re right, I represent the Michelle Sect."
This admission made me sneer even more.
"Your Michelle Sect has zero shame. Two years and you’re still pestering me." I sneered.
"From my first steps into cultivation until reaching Marquis rank, you’ve been lurking in the background. Truly impressive."
Stella smiled calmly. "That also demonstrates our excellent judgment."
I said icily, "If you value your life, leave now. I have zero interest in your corrupt organization."
"Corrupt?" Mockery flashed across Stella’s features.
"What defines good versus evil? If we’re keeping score, wouldn’t you also be considered corrupt, Mason Raymond?"
"The Capital City Martial Arts Association enjoys a stellar reputation, but do you really think they’re some righteous, noble faction? Are they the good guys?"
Her words caught me off guard.
I swirled my drink thoughtfully, then said, "Not bad, you’ve got my attention. Continue."
Stella explained, "Our Michelle Sect may have a dark reputation, but we also possess tremendous power, which benefits you entirely."
"If you’re interested, we could even form a partnership."
I considered this momentarily. "How do you prove your capabilities?"
Stella smiled knowingly. "Mr. Raymond can name a task, and you’ll see whether we can deliver."
A grin spread across my face.
I swirled my drink and said casually, "Alright, if you can locate Mabel Sean, then I’ll trust you. Deal?"
