Chapter 1650: Chapter 1952: Tian Xiong (1)
"Mr. Ling, I trust you’ve privately investigated the Dark Pavilion, and considering you’ve been to the Zhu Family a few days ago and your relations with them, you should already know who founded the Dark Pavilion."
"You seem well-informed." Ling Chen replied calmly.
The young man smiled and said, "Since I came to meet you, I naturally had to be well-prepared." After a moment’s pause, he continued, "We’ve been talking for so long, but I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Tian Xiong."
Ling Chen asked indifferently, "Do I need to remember this name?"
Tian Xiong nodded and said, "It’d be best to remember it, as this name is quite important."
Hearing this, Ling Chen became a bit more interested in the young man who called himself Tian Xiong. The reason he asked earlier was simply to ascertain Tian Xiong’s position within the Dark Pavilion. If Tian Xiong was just a minor character sent to interact with him, there would be no need to waste too much talk. However, given Tian Xiong’s assertion, it seems he holds some standing within the Dark Pavilion.
"What do you want to discuss with me?"
"The future!" Tian Xiong uttered two words, "Mr. Ling, I want to ask, what is your perspective on the current situation of the Martial Arts world?"
"I have no perspective, from ancient times till now, Martial Arts has always adhered to a principle, the strong prey on the weak; the strong are the only ones who can survive. The current situation is no different; whoever has the strongest fist has the right to speak."
"Previously, the one with the greatest authority was surely the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, but unfortunately, Mr. Ling must be aware of the recent circumstances of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion." Tian Xiong said meaningfully.
Ling Chen nodded slightly and said, "Your Dark Pavilion is indeed formidable. Despite being the leading power in Martial Arts, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has suffered defeats twice in your hands."
"Leading power?" Tian Xiong sneered, showing undisguised disdain and sarcasm, "That’s all old history. The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, a force that sticks to old ways and fails to adapt, should have been replaced long ago. Without Su He to preside over it, and only Du Kang remaining, how can the current Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion still be deemed as the leading power?"
"Even though Su He was expelled from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, the Su Family still exists. If you’re well-informed, you must have heard about the affairs of the Su Family in Beijing. As long as the Su Family remains, they’ll undoubtedly support the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion from behind. Moreover, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has garnered considerable support from many senior figures in Martial Arts. This power shouldn’t be underestimated. With such backing, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion still has the strength to contend for the leading power position."
Tian Xiong nodded and said, "I don’t deny any of this, but times are changing, and the landscape of Martial Arts is evolving. Even though the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is deeply rooted, it can’t possibly continue forever. Mr. Ling, let me be frank—the Dark Pavilion’s mission since its inception was to destroy the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. However, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has long occupied the position of hegemony in Martial Arts, so we haven’t had a great opportunity to act until now. Everything has changed; the entire Martial Arts world is awakening, and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is no longer the sole leader. Our Dark Pavilion has formulated a foolproof plan. Even if the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion isn’t destroyed, it will eventually decline into an insignificant force."
After hearing Tian Xiong’s words, Ling Chen frowned slightly and said, "Why are you telling me this? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report it to Su Mei? Although Dragon Tiger Hall and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion are rivals, Su Mei is still a friend of mine."
"Mr. Ling, I’m sharing this with no other intention. Our Dark Pavilion simply wishes to befriend you. Since we’re making friends, we ought to be frank; don’t you agree?" Tian Xiong said, "As for whether you’ll tell Su Mei, that’s up to you. We won’t interfere, nor will we blame you, because we’re confident that even if the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion learns we’re targeting them, they’ll be powerless. The Dark Pavilion has prepared for so many years; the outcome won’t change because of one person."
"I’m still unclear on one point." Ling Chen pondered for a moment and then said, "Did the Dark Pavilion send you to me just to say all this?"
Tian Xiong smiled and said, "To be honest, Mr. Ling, the Dark Pavilion wishes to find a collaborator to create a future together."
Upon hearing this, Ling Chen asked perplexedly, "The Dark Pavilion isn’t weak; you can fully engage in this struggle for interests. Why collaborate with Dragon Tiger Hall?"
"Because the current Martial Arts world is filled with numerous factions, making the situation very chaotic. Besides the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, there are the Dangyang Sect, the Heavenly Dragon Sect, the Netherworld Snake, and other various forces. Although the Dark Pavilion is confident in dealing with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, emerging from the competition requires a powerful ally. If we join forces, who else in the world could be our rival?"
Netherworld Snake... When Tian Xiong mentioned ’Netherworld Snake,’ Ling Chen couldn’t help but feel a stir in his heart.
"You know Netherworld Snake?"
"Why wouldn’t I?" Tian Xiong retorted, "The Netherworld Snake isn’t some secret. Our Dark Pavilion has operated for so many years, it’d be an utter failure not to know about Netherworld Snake. In fact, the Dark Pavilion and Netherworld Snake have similarities and have collaborated a few times in the past, so we have a mutual understanding."
"Can you tell me about Netherworld Snake?"
"So, Mr. Ling is quite interested in Netherworld Snake?"
Ling Chen nodded and said, "I won’t hide it from you, Netherworld Snake sent someone to assassinate me recently. Although I evaded it, they won’t give up easily."
"I didn’t expect Mr. Ling to have such an experience." Tian Xiong laughed and said, "As far as I know, the rules of Netherworld Snake are very strict. If you’ve escaped their assassination, they’ll definitely use all their efforts against you. It seems our choice of collaborating with you is correct; you are indeed a suitable partner."
"Why do you say that?"
"The Netherworld Snake has existed for hundreds of years, and very few have escaped their assassinations—only two people including you. This demonstrates the formidable strength of Netherworld Snake and your own capabilities. Without some skills, you couldn’t have survived unscathed. Our Dark Pavilion appreciates capable individuals like you. You are the youngest expert on the Heavenly List in Martial Arts and the creator of the Dragon Tiger Hall. Your future is limitless. So, if we can reach a collaboration, we will surely dominate our rivals and stand on top of the world." At the end, Tian Xiong’s eyes ignited with passionate fervor.
Ling Chen pondered for a while, then said, "I need to seriously consider the cooperation matter, as it concerns the future of Dragon Tiger Hall. I can’t make a hasty decision. Furthermore, if you don’t mind, could you share more about Netherworld Snake?"
"Mr. Ling wishes to resolve the threat of Netherworld Snake?"
"There’s an old saying, ’Know your enemy and know yourself, and in one hundred battles you will never be defeated.’ If I don’t understand my adversary, how can I possibly fight against them?"
