https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-974-The-Swiftness-of-the-Empty-Sky-Current/13041504/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-976-Secret-Communication-from-Afar/13041508/
Chapter 975: The Gathering of Dark Pawns in the Battle for Profits
Chapter 975: The Gathering of Dark Pawns in the Battle for Profits
"Mr. Kaze, you mentioned that you have some concerns?" One of the two New Lumina Sect members, a man with a golden brooch pinned to his lapel, spoke first, appearing slightly dissatisfied.
"We have spoken highly of you at the Continental Parliament, Mr. Kaze. This recommendation is an opportunity for you, and we hope you're not making excuses to back out."
"That is not my intention," Kaze Shingen replied calmly, maintaining his composure despite the other's stern tone.
"I have been closely following the Horizon Line Initiative since I first heard of it. As it involves the centralized policies of Daxun, they will undoubtedly deploy their most capable personnel to safeguard it."
Kaze Shingen continued, "The Wind Crane Guardian from Langtao Pavilion has pledged allegiance to Daxun. The newly established Haidong Province of Daxun may task Wind Crane Guardian with this mission, as his abilities are comparable to mine, making it challenging but not impossible to defeat him. As for Jinbei Province, they will likely dispatch Director Chen Chuan of the Defense Bureau."
As he spoke, his expression grew more solemn. "This individual's strength is extraordinary. Both Wind Crane Guardian and Moon Cry Pavilion have fallen to his hands."
Kaze Shingen straightened his posture slightly and spoke with utmost seriousness, "Please forgive my frankness, but if I were to face this person alone, I don't believe I would have much chance of success. However, if you insist, I will carry out the task, but I cannot guarantee its success."
The two New Lumina Sect members exchanged glances. One of them spoke up, "Mr. Kaze, we have already considered this matter beforehand. We will not let you act alone. We assure you that we won't assign you a task you cannot complete. We acknowledge your past actions, and will provide you with the information of our collaborator. From now on, you only need to prepare for your departure."
Kaze Shingen bowed slightly, "I will make the necessary preparations."
The other man added, "Mr. Kaze, once this task is completed, we will hold a ceremony for your induction into the New Lumina Sect. You will become one of us."
Kaze Shingen bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude, "I am deeply honored." He straightened and addressed the two men, "May I inquire about the name of our collaborator?"
"We can tell you one of them," the man with the brooch replied. "His name is Ian, the leader of a branch sect on Volro Peninsula."
"Ian? The master of the New Entanglement Style?" Kaze Shingen's expression became more serious as he bowed again, "Thank you for informing me. I take my leave." After saying this, he exited the room.
Once he was gone, the brooch-wearing man's mood turned gloomy. He seemed displeased with Kaze Shingen's seemingly respectful yet self-serving attitude.
The other man, however, didn't seem as concerned. Fighters have their temperaments, and as long as they were willing to work for them, other factors didn't matter much.
"There are two fighters in Jinbei Province's central city, and we can assign one of them. It's probably Director Chen. Kaze Shingen seems to be wary of this person, indicating that his strength is indeed formidable."
"Indeed. We may not understand fighters, but his past accomplishments are proof that Kaze Shingen isn't exaggerating."
The battle in Baihe District had a significant impact on the world. It was the first time a living consciousness, crafted with cutting-edge global technology, was defeated by a fighter in actual combat.
Admittedly, this living consciousness was only in its infancy, and its combat power didn't match its theoretical potential. However, most people are result-oriented, and this forced countries to simultaneously upgrade their technology. Chen Chuan, who was responsible for this incident, naturally caught the attention of various nations. Many might not know the exact number of members in Daxun's highest executive government, but they were familiar with Chen Chuan.
The brooch-wearing man grew agitated, "But we only need to disrupt the Horizon Line, not engage them in direct combat. Is that too much to ask?"
The other man remained calm, "The Horizon Line is a carefully woven web by Daxun's centralization faction over many years. We can't just look at the surface, can we?" He shook his head, "It's not enough. We need at least three people to ensure the mission's execution."
"Are you suggesting involving the Sect's Guardians?"
"No, we can't let others know this is our sect's doing, at least not on the surface."
The other man brought over an application, "This person has been repeatedly submitting applications to the Continental government. I've been keeping an eye on him for a while now."
The brooch-wearing man took the application and glanced at it. The applicant was a Primordial People wearing the Federation's ceremonial attire. "Is he a fighter?"
The other man nodded, "You should have heard of the Holy Land Warriors. When we first arrived on this continent, they almost drove us into the sea."
The brooch-wearing man's gaze upon the photo held a hint of danger, "Use this person? Is he trustworthy?"
"He yearns to be accepted and hopes that his gathering place will become a part of us. We need someone willing to risk their faith for our cause. Isn't this an opportunity for both of us?"
"Alright, let's include him. That makes three, which should be enough, right?"
"If it's just for disruption, I think three is sufficient. Later, we can hire some people to assist them."
Their objective wasn't to kill the opposing fighter but to disrupt the Horizon Line's connectivity. Along the lengthy connection, the enemy couldn't possibly defend every point, and a single surprise attack could cripple a critical relay station. Therefore, three fighters should be enough.
Once the Skyline is destroyed, the newly-eased tensions between Daxun and the Linax Federation will undoubtedly create new rifts.
None of the three individuals are from the Linax Federation, and the independence of the various continents within the Federation is strong. So, even if the Eastern Shore Party realizes it's their doing, without evidence, they can't take any action.
Arkanan Continent, the gathering place of the Primordial People.
There are about fifty thousand Primordial People here, living a semi-agricultural and semi-nomadic lifestyle, almost unchanged from hundreds of years ago.
In reality, the land where they have lived and thrived since ancient times has repeatedly shrunk. Compared to twenty years ago, their habitat has decreased by two-thirds, leaving them cramped and squeezed onto the last remaining plateau.
Inside the cowhide tent of the tribal chieftain, a Primordial Person in his thirties stands in the middle, speaking eloquently. He has his hair styled like a Federation citizen and wears a custom-made suit. His speech is full and powerful, but the tribal elders shake their heads repeatedly.
No matter what he says, no one speaks up.
After he finishes speaking, an elder sitting in the middle points at his cheek and says, "Dakota."
"Dakota" is the name of this Primordial Person, and it also means "Battle Tattoo" within the tribe. Anyone who becomes a Holy Warrior will have such a battle tattoo.
In the 1619 book, there is no mistake!
Dakota is the most powerful Holy Warrior on this land in the past few decades, or perhaps even a century. So, he originally had two battle tattoos on his face.
But now, they're gone.
The elder seriously repeats, "Dakota," and then shakes his head again.
Dakota understands. Without the battle tattoos, these tribal elders who adhere to their traditions don't want to talk to him. He's a bit disappointed, but he doesn't get angry. He places his hat on his chest, performs a Linax Federation bow to the elder, and then puts his hat back on, exiting the smoky tent.
"Dakota!"
A young man in his twenties, dressed in the hunting attire of the Primordial People, runs towards him. He grabs Dakota's arm, raises the bow and arrow in his hand, and says with anticipation, "Come back and hunt with us. It's hard to catch prey now. If it's you, you'll surely bring us a tent full of pelts and game, right?"
Dakota looks at the tribal children in the distance, bare-chested, and shakes his head. "No, Awon, there aren't as many game animals on this land as before. If we want every member of the tribe to live well, we can't continue this daily life here."
Awon is a bit puzzled and says, "Didn't the ancestors of Dakola live like this?"
"But we can no longer continue the lifestyle of our ancestors."
Dakota speaks heavily, "Our land can no longer support another cycle of years. The only solution is to communicate with the Federation. Only by joining the Federation can we ensure the continuation of our tribe."
"No, we won't join them!"
Awon becomes angry. He is a typical Primordial Warrior, adhering to traditions, fighting bravely, treating tribal members with warmth, being helpful, and having clear likes and dislikes. He doesn't hide his dislike and hostility towards the Linax Federation.
"My father, my father's father, and your father, Dakota, all died fighting against them. How can you forget this? They are our eternal enemies!"
"No! It's not like that!"
Dakota looks at him seriously, places a hand on his shoulder, and soothes his agitated emotions, "Listen to me. The hatred is in the past. We can't indulge in hatred anymore. We must let go of these things, and then we can show our value, and they will accept us."
Awon struggles out of his embrace, raises his bow and arrow excitedly, and says, "No, we should fight like our ancestors. We should take back the land they took from us. We should fight like Ahertawa!"
"Only by fighting can they fear us and dare not come again. Ahertawa said that begging will only make them unrestrained. Only when you're covered in thorns will they fear you and not dare to bully you! We should make them understand that even if only one of us remains, even if we lose our weapons, we'll use our teeth to tear their throats!"
Dakota shakes his head, "It's not like that. Hatred will only continue endlessly. There's no future in that. Ahertawa was too extreme."
He speaks seriously, "Our past way of life and customs are backward and barbaric. We should discard these bad habits and strive to integrate into civilization and the new world. Awon, open your eyes and look at the world. We can't fight against them; this is a war destined to fail.
Integration is the only way."
At this moment, the sound of horse hooves is heard from a distance. His assistant rides over on horseback, excitedly waving a letter in his hand, and trying to calm the horse beneath him, "Sir, the government of the continent has responded to our application!" He says excitedly, "Sir, the tribe has hope!"
...
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(End of Chapter)
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