"You!"
With those words, Han Wensheng's cold sweat poured down even faster.
The other party was right; in the ruins, aside from a few minor cities occupied by evil or hidden factions, weren't all other cities under the control of the Hidden Group?
Now that they had offended the Hidden Group here, wouldn't the Hidden Group branches in other regions easily let them off?
It could be said that once they left this place, they would have almost no foothold in the ruins!
Unless they went to the territories of those evil forces or hidden factions.
But the evil forces treated human lives as cheap, making them unsuitable for family development.
And the hidden factions also disliked outside families.
So, it could essentially be said that once they left Frost City, they would have nowhere to stay.
The most crucial point was that the other party had directly pointed it out, which was clearly a threat to him!
On the other side, hearing Ye Cangtian's words, the major families who were leading their caravans and slowly departing also stopped their steps.
They suddenly understood everything; if they left Frost City, their families' fates might be even more tragic!
Han Wensheng finally couldn't withstand the pressure and looked at the other party, saying, "Lord Death God, you want us to go back, alright, but what about our previous conditions..."
"Heh heh."
Ye Cangtian sneered dismissively and said, "Han Wensheng, given your age, I've been giving you face repeatedly, but you're ungrateful! You're still trying to negotiate terms with me now, have you been hit on the head!"
Ye Cangtian was truly amused to the point of laughter. The other party clearly had no other options. It was already good enough if they were allowed to return to Frost City and continue developing, with the Hidden Group accepting them back.
Yet, they were instead trying to set terms, truly throwing all shame aside.
"Uh..."
Upon hearing this, Han Wensheng's old face immediately turned bright red.
His eyes darted around, and he quickly said, "Alright, with Lord Death God personally coming this time, I should give some face. I won't mention those conditions!"
"Heh heh."
Ye Cangtian sneered coldly, glanced at him, and said, "Han Wensheng, I truly admire your shamelessness to this extent! But do you think this will allow you to return to Frost City?"
Hearing this, Han Wensheng's heart suddenly tightened, and he quickly asked, "You, what do you mean?"
"I originally didn't intend to make things difficult for your families, but your shameless attitude makes me feel that if you're not taught a lesson, you probably won't stay quiet!"
Ye Cangtian looked at Han Wensheng coldly and continued, "If you want to return to Frost City, you must agree to my three conditions!"
First, upon returning to Frost City, you must behave yourselves. Anyone who dares to commit crimes, bully the weak, will not be forgiven!
Second, your annual tax payments will be doubled, submitted to the Hidden Group to be used for the construction of Frost City.
Third, in times of crisis in Frost City, your families must support the Hidden Group without reservation and defend Frost City.
"This..."
Hearing the Death God's words, Han Wensheng's expression immediately turned grim.
He looked at the other party indignantly and roared, "Lord Death God, what's the difference between the conditions you've stated and signing a slave contract!"
"Hmph! I call this giving them a taste of their own medicine!"
"Think back, did the conditions you just proposed leave any room for the Hidden Group to retreat?"
Facing the enraged Han Wensheng, Ye Cangtian was not intimidated at all and directly snorted.
With that statement, Han Wensheng was rendered speechless. They had indeed intended to make things difficult for the Hidden Group with their previous conditions.
Now that the other party was making things difficult for them, it was within reason.
But the problem was, if they truly signed these contracts, it would greatly affect their families' development, and they would also become a laughingstock for everyone.
Thinking this, Han Wensheng's expression turned grim, and he said, "Lord Death God, while we may have nowhere to go if we leave Frost City, Frost City will also suffer significant losses due to our departure!"
After a pause, Han Wensheng continued, "Are you really disregarding the development of Frost City just to vent your anger? If you push us too hard, we will bring Frost City down with us!"
Han Wensheng's attitude was very tough. He knew that the tougher he was, the less the other party would dare to push too hard.
After all, the other party did not want Frost City to be affected.
"Hmph!"
Ye Cangtian snorted coldly and slowly said, "Do you really think the world won't turn without you? Let me tell you, if you leave, families will replace you in minutes!"
"The Hidden Group will merely suffer some economic losses, but with the Hidden Group's financial resources, they can bear such losses!"
This...
As his words fell, Han Wensheng's face changed dramatically, and dense beads of sweat reappeared on his forehead.
Their most important contribution to Frost City was in terms of the economy.
And in these aspects, besides their families, Frost City had many weaker families.
These weaker families were constantly seeking to strengthen themselves and become commercial powerhouses like the Han family.
Therefore, if the Hidden Group gave them an opportunity, they would undoubtedly support the Hidden Group with all their might, and it might even lead to a mutually beneficial situation.
At that time, Frost City might not suffer significant losses.
Thinking about their own families, they would probably have already declined due to having nowhere to settle.
Upon considering this outcome, Han Wensheng felt a chill run down his spine.
He looked at the Death God again, his eyes no longer filled with anger, but with a hint of pleading. "Lord Death God, can these conditions be discussed?"
"No!"
Ye Cangtian refused curtly and continued, "However, if you all behave yourselves, they will be gradually reduced after five years. As for the specific extent of reduction, that will depend on your performance."
"This..."
Hearing this, Han Wensheng knew that this was the other party's final bottom line.
But he couldn't easily agree to these terms, especially with the other families present.
If he agreed directly, he would likely incur resentment.
So, he turned to look at the heads of the other families, wanting to solicit their opinions.
On the other side, sensing Han Wensheng's gaze, the numerous families nodded repeatedly, indicating their acceptance. They had no other choice!
At least this could guarantee their families' survival and development!
The next moment, Han Wensheng looked at Ye Cangtian and said helplessly, "Alright, we agree."
"Han Wensheng, you're smart!"
Upon hearing Han Wensheng's words, Ye Cangtian sneered and said, "Remember, cooperate well with the Hidden Group. You should know that I haven't settled accounts with you for reporting me to Imperial Dragon Villa yet!"
"Yes, yes, yes, I will surely lead my family to fully support the Hidden Group..."
Ye Cangtian's words made Han Wensheng's spine go cold. He agreed repeatedly almost without thinking.
He knew that the person he had previously supported was Lei Ming, and the other party would surely hold a grudge.
Now that the other party was willing to overlook past grievances and not settle old scores, he didn't want to bring up the matter again, lest it bring disaster to his family.
Seeing Han Wensheng become obedient, Ye Cangtian no longer paid attention to him.
He turned to look at Hu Qing and said, "With this matter settled, I should be leaving. If Frost City encounters any trouble, the Hidden Group can go to Imperial Dragon Villa to request support!"
"Thank you, Lord Death God."
Hu Qing quickly bowed and then said, "Lord Death God, your subordinate implores you to stay and allow me to fulfill my duties as a host!"
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian shook his head and said, "No, you still have much to attend to with the major families, and I have urgent matters. Perhaps next time."
Upon hearing this, Hu Qing nodded helplessly and said, "Alright, then I won't delay your journey. I wish you a safe trip..."
Ye Cangtian nodded, and then, under their farewell, left Frost City.
...
Dragon City, Ruins.
In the office, Dongfang Mingyue placed the documents in her hand on the table, her expression extremely grim.
Her mood was exceptionally bad. Dragon City was truly a mix of dragons and snakes.
The news that Ye Cangtian possessed the Four Great Seals had spread completely, and many factions had developed covetous desires.
They were all aiming for the legendary Celestial Realm.
After all, no one didn't wish for their faction to be stronger, and no one didn't wish for immortality.
As it stood, those super factions had not yet surfaced; only some minor forces had arrived.
However, dealing with these minor forces was something she couldn't trouble Hao Tian and Elder Long with, so she could only struggle to support herself.
*Clang! Clang! Clang!* ...
At some point, the sound of a door being knocked came.