A branch prison.
Duan Dao and Xuan San Qi glared at each other across the aisle.
"Duan Dao, you shameless old dog!"
"Didn't you just urge me to commit suicide for Tian Can Lou? Then why didn't you die yourself after being captured!"
"You know more secrets about Tian Can Lou than I do. Are you going to tell these secrets to the Dark Association!"
Xuan San Qi pointed a thick finger at Duan Dao's nose, speaking disdainfully and angrily.
Hmph!
Duan Dao snorted coldly and said contemptuously, "Can you compare with me? What are you?"
In Duan Dao's opinion, Xuan San Qi's capture hadn't exposed Tian Can Lou. With proper handling, Tian Can Lou could still be preserved.
But it was different for him; he represented Tian Can Lou.
The assassination attempt on Xuan San Qi had already confirmed he was a member of the East Ying Ninjutsu Division, thus exposing Tian Can Lou as belonging to the East Ying Ninjutsu Division.
This had already brought a devastating crisis to Tian Can Lou, making his life or death meaningless.
"You old scoundrel, you kept talking about giving everything for Tian Can Lou, but you chickened out at the crucial moment. I despise you!" Xuan San Qi roared furiously.
"Shut up!"
Xuan San Qi kept harping on the matter, and Duan Dao finally couldn't stand it, letting out a cold shout.
His sharp gaze fixed on Xuan San Qi, he said angrily, "It's all because of you, you useless wretch, otherwise Tian Can Lou wouldn't be in this state! You deserve to die!"
*Clap! Clap! Clap!*
As soon as Duan Dao finished speaking, a burst of applause echoed, and then the figure of Po Xiao appeared in their vision.
"Dogs fighting dogs, all teeth and fur. What a show!"
"You guys continue, I'll just watch quietly from the side, I definitely won't disturb you!"
Ye Cangtian sat down in the aisle between them, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette.
Upon seeing Ye Cangtian, Xuan San Qi and Duan Dao immediately fell silent.
No matter how much conflict they had, they didn't want an outsider like Po Xiao to witness it.
"Heh heh, not arguing anymore?"
"Since you're not arguing, let's talk business!"
Ye Cangtian's expression turned serious, and he continued, "I'm here to deliver some good news to Duan Dao. He will be able to return to Tian Can Lou soon!"
"Why!"
"Po Xiao, what kind of agreement have you reached with Tian Can Lou!"
"You dare to betray the Dark Association and collude with Tian Can Lou! Just you wait, when I get back to headquarters, I'll drag you down with me to die!"
As soon as Ye Cangtian finished speaking, Xuan San Qi became agitated.
Tian Can Lou's attempt to silence him had left him disheartened and filled with hatred for Tian Can Lou.
He wished he could drag the entire Tian Can Lou down with him into the grave.
But Po Xiao saying he would release Duan Dao was difficult for him to comprehend! And unacceptable!
He had dedicated his life to Tian Can Lou, he was captured just like Duan Dao, so why did he have to face Tian Can Lou's assassination attempt and the Dark Association's sanctions?
While the other man could return to Tian Can Lou?
"Still asking why?"
Duan Dao looked at Xuan San Qi contemptuously and said, "Because you're stupid, because you're unworthy. Even if they saved you, you'd be a rotten fish that would spoil the whole pot!"
"You..."
A single sentence almost made Xuan San Qi spit blood with anger, yet he didn't know how to retort.
After all, it was his carelessness that had led to the current situation.
The next moment, he simply ignored Duan Dao and focused his gaze directly on Ye Cangtian.
"Although the reason isn't exactly as Duan Dao puts it, it's similar."
"Anyway, regarding you, Tian Can Lou hasn't said a word!"
Ye Cangtian said mockingly to Xuan San Qi, causing his body to tremble with anger. Even Ye Cangtian felt a chill seeing the hatred in his eyes.
After speaking, Ye Cangtian glanced at Duan Dao again and said, "I came this time just to inform you and to advise you not to play any tricks during the transaction!"
"Don't worry, I will cooperate fully with the transaction."
Duan Dao showed a smile on his face.
Although he harbored considerable resentment towards Po Xiao, he felt fortunate compared to Xuan San Qi. He could fully accept this outcome.
"Alright then, you two continue your bickering!"
Ye Cangtian chuckled and said, "If you feel you don't have enough time, don't rush. Sooner or later, you will be reunited..."
With that said, Ye Cangtian turned and left the prison cell.
Duan Dao, who remained, frowned immediately upon hearing this. It was clear that Po Xiao hadn't simply released him; there was another motive.
As for Xuan San Qi, he burst into loud laughter, "Old scoundrel, don't laugh too soon. Po Xiao is very cunning. You're just being let out to stretch your legs this time. I'll be waiting for you here, hahaha..."
...
Leaving the prison, Ye Cangtian also left the branch.
The branch was about to go to war with Tian Can Lou, and the news had likely spread, which would attract a lot of attention.
He needed to instruct the Hidden Group to act low-key and be careful of exposure during this period.
Before he could contact Wei An, Ye Cangtian spotted the contact signal left by Wei An.
Soon, following the instructions of the signal, Ye Cangtian arrived at a dilapidated temple in the northern part of the city, where he indeed found Wei An, who had been waiting for a long time.
"What do you want with me?"
Ye Cangtian approached Wei An and asked directly.
He knew that Wei An must have something urgent, otherwise, he wouldn't have contacted him urgently, so he saw no need for pleasantries.
Wei An quickly said, "Fei Chen from the Anti-Black Alliance suddenly contacted the Hidden Group, saying he had something urgent to discuss with you..."
Fei Chen's sudden approach to the Hidden Group had also confused Wei An.
However, Fei Chen refused to reveal the specific purpose, only requesting to meet Ye Cangtian and stating that they were partners.
After much deliberation, Wei An decided to contact Ye Cangtian first to understand the situation before arranging their meeting.
"This is indeed true."
"However, I hadn't yet had the chance to inform the Hidden Group about my cooperation with Fei Chen."
Ye Cangtian nodded. He did not conceal this matter.
Hearing this, Wei An nodded and said, "Since you know each other, I won't ask further. He is currently waiting at an inn in the northern part of the city for a reply..."
After informing Ye Cangtian of Fei Chen's location, Wei An prepared to leave.
"Wait!"
Ye Cangtian stopped Wei An and said, "The Dark Association branch is about to go to war with Tian Can Lou. This will attract many eyes. The Hidden Group must remain hidden and avoid exposure!"
"Hmm? How did you know?"
Wei An was suddenly stunned. He didn't know Ye Cangtian had another identity and was perplexed as to where Ye Cangtian's information came from.
However, as soon as he spoke, he seemed to realize.
The entire city was now buzzing with rumors that Tian Can Lou had colluded with the East Ying Ninjutsu Division and had completely broken ties with the Dark Association. Perhaps Ye Cangtian had deduced this from here.
Thinking this, he quickly said, "If they start fighting each other, should we take advantage of their conflict and seize the opportunity to eliminate them?"
Ye Cangtian, who was still pondering how to answer Wei An's first question, was startled by the subsequent words and broke out in a cold sweat.
"Wei An, absolutely do not act rashly!"
Ye Cangtian quickly advised, continuing, "Taking advantage of their conflict and eliminating Tian Can Lou and the branch is indeed not difficult, but doing so would absolutely alert the headquarters of the Dark Association!"
Ye Cangtian knew in his heart that to reap the benefits of their conflict, he would have to mobilize Hidden Group members from other cities.
And once the operation was successful, it would inevitably provoke the Dark Association's frenzied retaliation.
In that case, the Hidden Group would suffer heavy losses, which would definitely not be worth it!
After all, this was not about conquering territory. Even if the operation succeeded, the Hidden Group would not have the capacity to occupy Youming City.
Therefore, such an operation was meaningless. It would be better to develop themselves in secret and gather intelligence!
"Alright, what you say makes sense."
"Then I'll notify everyone to lie low."
After listening to Ye Cangtian's words, Wei An thought for a long time, finally abandoning his impulsive thought, and agreed.
...