Chapter Two Hundred Forty-Three: Clash
The word “defeat” rarely appeared in the reports that Young Master Sang had seen.
And it was almost impossible to find it in Meng Qiyan’s reports.
In the past, Meng Qiyan almost always reported “victory” or “great success.”
If there were terms like “encountering trouble” or “tricky,” it meant they hadn’t driven the opponent away; for Meng Qiyan, that counted as a failure.
But this time, facing herself, Meng Qiyan didn’t even bother to disguise it.
She straightforwardly told herself, “defeat.”
Young Master Sang immediately called Meng Qiyan, anxiously asking, “Are you injured? If things are really bad, I’ll come get you right now.”
“Not to that extent.”
On the other end of the line, Meng Qiyan’s voice sounded somewhat tired, yet she still managed to squeeze out a reassuring tone to put Young Master Sang at ease.
“The people from the Holy Kingdom are indeed stronger than we imagined; the current situation with our teams is not great. Team Three has suffered varying degrees of serious damage.”
“In the other team, an Elder at the Harmonization Stage is gravely injured, and our team has also been severely wounded. Except for my team members, nearly everyone is injured to some extent.”
“Fortunately, we are the advance team. The transport team hadn’t arrived at the time of the clash, so the cargo has been preserved.”
“Let’s say… we didn’t disgrace our mission.” She forced a tired smile.
Young Master Sang frowned slightly.
“It’s that serious… How many people did the Holy Kingdom deploy?”
“Three lines, each with Harmonization Stage cultivators in command.”
Meng Qiyan said solemnly, “The opposing side’s determination is even more resolute than we imagined. The Harmonization Stage cultivator I encountered was even willing to fight to the bitter end, risking mutual destruction, to prevent the cargo from reaching its destination.”
“It seems the Holy Kingdom’s grievances toward the Floating Splendor Commerce are greater than we thought.”
After hearing this, Young Master Sang furrowed his brows deeply.
They are really going all out.
Initially, he thought the conflict between the Holy Kingdom and the Floating Splendor Commerce was just a normal matter of interests.
But from the looks of it, the Holy Kingdom is dead set on taking down the Floating Splendor Commerce.
If that’s the case, Young Master Sang must reconsider the collaboration with the Floating Splendor Commerce.
Is it worth fighting the Holy Kingdom tooth and nail over such a small sum of money?
As the person in charge, Young Master Sang had to consider the interests of the entire Demon Cult.
After careful consideration, Young Master Sang said to Meng Qiyan: “This matter is quite significant, but no matter what, we cannot pay the price of a bloody conflict.”
“Since their attitude is so resolute, the danger is too great. You should retreat with your people right now; we don’t need the cargo or the money.”
“I don’t want to.”
Unexpectedly, Meng Qiyan suddenly refused firmly.
“Listen,” Young Master Sang frowned, “We still don’t fully understand the Holy Kingdom’s intentions. If they truly have a death-or-glory mentality, even if you repel them this time, you can’t guarantee they won’t send more people to attack you.”
“The Holy Kingdom has Crossing Tribulation Stage or even Great Ascension Stage combatants; what if something happens to you?”
“Don’t worry. The opposing side clearly didn’t realize there were Harmonization Stage cultivators among our transport team. They were so disheveled and hasty while being repelled that they probably didn’t have time to organize a follow-up attack. At least this cargo will surely reach its destination smoothly.”
However, Meng Qiyan persisted in shaking her head: “I promised you I would deliver the cargo safely, and I will definitely keep my word.”
“You silly girl.” Young Master Sang felt a headache coming on, “Which is more important, some money or your safety? Don’t you know yourself?”
“Trust me.”
Meng Qiyan merely replied earnestly, “I mean it.”
Young Master Sang could almost imagine Meng Qiyan’s expression.
Ever since she was brought into the Demon Cult, he had sensed it.
This girl usually only revealed her soft and gentle side to him.
But at her core, she was still that ruthless Demon Cultivator who would not rest until achieving her goals.
Once she made up her mind, not even Young Master Sang could persuade her. No one could.
Moreover, Young Master Sang wasn’t particularly fond of forcing others to change their views.
Especially when it came to his own people.
As a high-ranking member of the Demon Cult, what he should do is not to exhaust his subordinates for himself.
Instead, he should create enough space for his subordinates to shine.
Taking a deep breath, Young Master Sang said seriously: “Alright. Take care of the injured, and I will immediately send a team from the Demon Cult to support you.”
“We can discuss the future cooperation later, but after this cargo reaches its destination, focus on recuperating.”
“I’ll take care of these people from the Holy Kingdom myself.” Young Master Sang’s eyes deepened.
“Actually, you don’t have to trouble yourself.”
Meng Qiyan’s voice remained stubborn, seemingly a bit unwilling to accept it: “I, I haven’t lost to them. We can manage just fine without reinforcement—”
“Meng Qiyan.” Young Master Sang suddenly spoke in a calmer tone.
Meng Qiyan instantly fell silent.
“…I will worry.”
“Is that reason enough?”
On the other end of the communication device, Meng Qiyan was silent for a long time before stammering, “Well, I guess there’s nothing to be done then. You really worry too much, don’t you?”
Her voice was filled with an uncontainable sweetness and happiness, almost like she was coquettishly pouting: “Then, I will just deliver the cargo and wait for your news, okay?”
“Mm. Just don’t get hurt.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t let Young Master Sang worry about me.”
At that moment, her voice lost all traces of coldness and menace, instead sounding like a shy girl in love, speaking with slight nervousness and excitement: “Then, I’ll obediently wait for Young Master Sang’s orders.”
“Mm.”
After hanging up the communication device, Young Master Sang silently sighed.
Beside him, Hua Jianglian couldn’t help but straighten up and ask, “Is the situation really serious?”
“It’s not that severe, but it’s definitely trickier than we thought.”
Young Master Sang’s brain was racing.
Even for the Holy Kingdom, Harmonization Stage combatants are not easily deployed.
The encounters of all three lines with Harmonization Stage cultivators indicated that the Holy Kingdom’s stance was much more determined than expected.
Could a simple matter of interest truly drive the Holy Kingdom to this extent?
Or was there some hidden truth that he didn’t know about?
Young Master Sang carefully assessed the current situation and finally realized.
Relying solely on the information from the Floating Splendor Commerce was far from sufficient.
If he wanted to profit from this fierce power struggle and maximize the interests of the Demon Cult,
Then he would have to get in touch with this legendary top-tier force.
—The Holy Kingdom.
This colossal entity was something he couldn’t bypass.
“It seems I need to find Bai Ming to discuss our cooperation properly.”
Young Master Sang’s expression revealed a sly grin: “This time, he better be ready to pay up.”
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