On the other side, feeling Ye Cangtian's gaze, Zi Long began to explain before being asked.
The Japanese Ninja clan and the Rattlesnake mercenary group had joined forces, possessing a force that could not be ignored.
However, the relationship between the Japanese Ninja clan and the Dark Association and the Guangming Hall was somewhat peculiar.
Regardless of which side, the Ninja clan was half-hearted, not pledging allegiance to any party, nor openly antagonizing them.
If they had continued to maintain neutrality, the Dark Association would not have fallen out with them.
But the problem was that in the past few joint operations of various factions, the Japanese Ninja clan and the Rattlesnake mercenary group always suffered the least losses.
And the benefits they obtained were already on par with those of the Dark Association and the Guangming Hall.
This shocked everyone.
Later, when the reason was investigated, the Dark Association realized that the Japanese Ninja clan had used themselves as bait to instigate conflict between the Dark Association and the Guangming Hall, ultimately profiting greatly in the process.
Both the Guangming Hall and the Dark Association were extremely furious and prepared to take decisive action to deal with the Ninja clan and the Rattlesnake mercenary group.
They wanted to let those jesters know that neither the Guangming Hall nor the Dark Association could be manipulated by mere ants.
Previously, an envoy from the Guangming Hall had also visited the Dark Association, and both sides had reached a consensus on cooperation, beginning their respective deployments.
Heh, so it turns out they misplayed their hand and got caught.
Listening to Zi Long's explanation, Ye Cangtian chuckled inwardly.
He had already suspected the conspiracy of the Ninja clan and the Rattlesnake mercenary group, and was not surprised at all.
Such things would be exposed sooner or later; paper could not wrap fire.
However, he did not expect the Ninja clan and the Rattlesnake mercenary group to be exposed so quickly. He presumed they were blinded by greed.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian quickly stepped forward and said, "Lord, you called me here, is it for me to go to Japan? That is the stronghold of the Ninja clan, and with my current abilities, I'm afraid I won't be up to the task."
"Heh, I'm not an idiot. Why would I send you on such a dangerous mission!"
Zi Long glanced at Ye Cangtian and said with a faint smile.
In fact, both the Dark Association and the Guangming Hall knew that the Japanese Ninja clan was a tough nut to crack, and any strike against them would surely result in significant losses.
Therefore, after mutual consultation, the Guangming Hall ultimately conceded, taking it upon themselves to strike the Ninja clan.
As for the target of the Dark Association, it would be the Rattlesnake mercenary group.
However, the Guangming Hall was not one to suffer losses easily. To balance the losses, the only demand the Guangming Hall made was for the mercenary targets of the Rattlesnake.
"Who?"
Seeing Zi Long deliberately pause, Ye Cangtian cooperatively inquired.
"The leader of the Rattlesnake mercenary group, the Violent Rattlesnake, Kezera," Zi Long said calmly.
*Pfft!*
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian almost spat blood. Eliminating Kezera alone would not be a problem; he was completely confident in that.
But Kezera was at the headquarters of the Rattlesnake mercenary group.
That was, after all, a force ranked among the top five in the World Mercenary Alliance, with a troop strength of at least several thousand at its headquarters.
As the saying goes, even a strong hero cannot withstand a pack of wolves!
Even if he were a Di-level expert, taking the head of the commanding officer amidst enemy forces would likely not be an easy feat.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian glanced at Zi Long and asked, "Lord Zi Long, may I ask if I have any helpers?"
"Of course."
Zi Long nodded and continued, "The Caesar mercenary group will dispatch two legions to follow your orders. The difficulty is not great, and it is also a test of your abilities."
"A test?" Ye Cangtian looked at Zi Long with confusion.
Zi Long nodded again and said earnestly, "Your strength and abilities are good. If you pass this test, you will not only receive commendations from headquarters personally but also become a key talent cultivated by the Dark Association."
To personally receive commendations from the Dark Association headquarters?
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian's eyes lit up.
He had been worried about how to infiltrate the Dark Association headquarters to rescue Shangguan Yanran. Now, it seemed like a heaven-sent opportunity.
Even if he couldn't rescue Shangguan Yanran, at least he would know her condition, pass the message back, and then devise a plan.
Seeing Ye Cangtian's eyes shining, Zi Long believed his words had successfully enticed the other party and showed a smile on his face.
He slowly said, "The Dark Association does not cultivate many people. Once this opportunity is obtained, you will receive preferential treatment and resources from the Dark Association, greatly increasing your chances of breaking through to the Di-level."
As the voice reached him, Ye Cangtian immediately snapped back to attention and cupped his hands in a salute to Zi Long, "Thank you, Lord Zi Long."
"Don't thank me. Such matters still depend on yourself."
Zi Long waved his hand and continued, "If you want the Dark Association to cultivate you, you must display your full capabilities..."
Zi Long indicated that the Caesar mercenary group was under the Dark Association, meaning they were all his own people.
If there were heavy losses in this operation, it would be difficult to account for to his superiors.
However, if the casualties were minimal, exceeding the headquarters' budget, then the headquarters would certainly view Ye Cangtian in a new light, and an opportunity would arise.
Indeed, the Dark Association had no simple individuals.
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian muttered to himself.
He had initially planned to use this operation to cause heavy losses to both the Caesar mercenary group and the Rattlesnake mercenary group, but after hearing Zi Long's words, he immediately abandoned that idea.
Regardless of anything else, he had to go to the Dark Association headquarters, and this matter could not be affected in any way.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian's expression turned serious, and he said, "Lord Zi Long, please rest assured, I will do my utmost and will not disgrace you."
"Haha, good!"
"Then I will await your good news. I will personally send you back to headquarters upon your return!"
Hearing Ye Cangtian's confident words, Zi Long laughed heartily, feeling delighted, and patted Ye Cangtian on the shoulder.
...
At night.
On the rooftop of the villa, Ye Cangtian was smoking alone.
He had already discussed Zi Long's matters with Elder Xu.
Since it did not involve the safety of China, and the Rattlesnake mercenary group had previously plotted against the Dragon Group, Elder Xu maintained a tacit attitude towards all of this.
Simply put.
It was for Ye Cangtian to be careful and conceal his identity, ensuring that the Dragon Group or the Hidden Group were not implicated.
In addition, Elder Xu also gave Ye Cangtian a reminder.
Although the Dark Association was powerful, their alliance with the Guangming Hall might not end well, as the Guangming Hall had always been insidious and cunning.
Most importantly, for the Guangming Hall, their greatest enemies were not the Ninja clan, but the Hidden Group and the Dark Association.
For this reason, Ye Cangtian's mind was constantly calculating, pondering what tricks the Guangming Hall might be up to.
*Ring!*
At some point, a ringtone pulled Ye Cangtian back from his thoughts.
Rose?
Ye Cangtian looked at the number in confusion. Logically, Rose should be with the Death Squad members cultivating in some region, so why would she call at this time?
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian answered the phone.
Immediately, Rose's voice came through the phone.
"Is the matter of the Rattlesnake mercenary group being handed over to you?"
Hearing this voice, Ye Cangtian was stunned and asked in surprise, "How did you know?"
"Hmph! I could figure it out with my toes."
Rose snorted lightly.