Chapter 43: The Plot
Chapter 43: The Plot
In a certain place, an old temple stood.
The temple was devoid of any deities, housing only a peculiar sculpture of a raven-faced man.
A group of ragged-clothed poor people, their expressions dull and lifeless, were kneeling and praying before the sculpture, one after another, in an unending stream. The incense burner in front of the statue was constantly filled with burning incense.
In the corner, some gray-furred rats scurried about in the shadows, squeaking as they moved.
At the back of the temple, in a courtyard, several people dressed in peculiar black attire hurried to and fro.
"Deputy Sect Leader, we have a slight problem," one of them said.
In a secluded room at the innermost part of the temple, a Black Crow Sect disciple, clad in black, was prostrating before a man also dressed in black, but with a black raven's wing pattern embroidered on his robe using red silk thread. The disciple was reporting something.
The Deputy Sect Leader opened his eyes and spoke calmly, "What's the matter?"
"It seems that among the people we captured, one of them might have some connection to a Patrol Officer from the City Guard," the disciple reported cautiously.
"It appears that the other side has been alerted, and they are sending people to investigate the matter," the disciple continued.
The Deputy Sect Leader furrowed his brows slightly and asked, "Where is the person now?"
"He has been sent to the main altar," the disciple whispered.
After hearing this, the Deputy Sect Leader fell into deep thought and said, "Then let's pretend we know nothing about this matter."
Since the person had already been sent to the main altar, there was no way they could let him go back. Any leak of information from the main altar would cause significant trouble. As for the connection to a Patrol Officer from the City Guard, it wasn't a major concern.
If their plan succeeded, even the Patrol Officer from the Nine Streets, let alone the Southern City District General Office, wouldn't be a problem.
"Alright, don't mention this to anyone else. You may go now," the Deputy Sect Leader waved his hand.
The disciple responded with a heavy 'yes' and left.
...
At the Crimson Gold Gang's base, the area was much more spacious compared to the narrow and congested alleys where the Thief Gang resided. The Crimson Gold Gang occupied a large area, with several nearby courtyards connected to each other.
When Chen Mu and his men arrived, they could hear the sounds of sword practice and training coming from the backyard.
Upon learning of Chen Mu's purpose, the gang members immediately went inside to report. Soon after, someone came out and respectfully led Chen Mu and his group into a courtyard on the west side, which was noticeably more elegantly decorated than the others.
"Chen, you are indeed a talented and promising young man," a man in a dark robe standing in the courtyard said, turning around slowly upon hearing the commotion behind him. This man was Yin Hong, the leader of the Crimson Gold Gang, one of the most influential gangs in the Nine Streets, with hundreds of followers under his command. His power rivaled that of the City Guard, and he also had connections to the Inner City.
"I've heard of your great reputation, Leader Yin," Chen Mu replied as he entered the courtyard, signaling for Liu Song and the others to wait outside.
The Crimson Gold Gang was also concerned about the Black Crow Sect's activities. Upon hearing Chen Mu's purpose, Leader Yin himself came to meet with him, instead of sending a deputy leader, which spoke volumes.
Chen Mu wasted no time and succinctly explained his reason for the visit.
After a moment of contemplation, Leader Yin replied, "If it's not related to the Thief Gang or any other group, then it's likely the Black Crow Sect is involved. To be honest, even my Crimson Gold Gang has had members go missing, and their whereabouts are still unknown."
"Oh?" Chen Mu's eyes flashed with surprise.
Leader Yin paused briefly before continuing, "The Black Crow Sect has been deceiving people with their so-called Raven God, extorting money from the masses. Recently, there have been a series of disappearances linked to them, including some of my gang members' relatives. When my men went to investigate, they also went missing."
"I personally went to negotiate with the Black Crow Sect, but they merely brushed me off. For the stability of the Nine Streets, I admit it's not convenient to start a war with them, especially since I have no solid evidence."
Yin Hong spoke with a hint of embarrassment.
Chen Mu only half-listened to Yin Hong's words about stability and lack of evidence. Nonsense! They just didn't want a mutual destruction with the Black Crow Sect, letting others take advantage of their weakness.
Yin Hong's gaze intensified as she looked at Chen Mu, "The Black Crow Sect is fearless, even daring to target the City Guard. I suspect they have a bigger conspiracy. Lord Chen, you can report this to Minister. If the City Guard intervenes, my Crimson Gold Gang will certainly cooperate in the investigation."
Her intentions were clear.
The disappearances, the conspiracies, were most likely nonsense. Yin Hong was trying to collaborate with the City Guard to eradicate the Black Crow Sect's influence in the Nine Streets.
Yin Hong's information was mostly true. If only one or two incidents were linked to the Black Crow Sect, it wouldn't be a big deal. But the combination of the disappearances, the rampant gray-furred rats, and the hidden 'Guardian Deity' hinted at a sinister plot.
Especially with the gray-furred rats, Chen Mu had seen them with his own eyes, and he understood the dangers these creatures posed. In his past life, they were the source of countless plagues and disasters.
If the Black Crow Sect was planning something with these rats, it would undoubtedly be an evil scheme.
Investigating Zhang Youying's disappearance had led to this revelation, prompting Chen Mu to act with unprecedented seriousness. After a brief moment of thought, he cupped his hands towards Yin Hong, "I will report everything to the Patrol Officer. I bid you farewell for now."
Yin Hong raised her hand and smiled, "Then I await your good news. Please also inform the Minister. If the City Guard takes any action, I will follow their lead."
(End of Chapter)
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