The Great Martial Saint!

Chapter 606 A Self-Interested Ecosystem That Harms the Overall Situation (Seeking Monthly Tickets~)

Lei Ming, Gu family.

"What? Mang Dao killed Yu Xihai of the Black Spirit Sect?" An elder of the Gu family was shocked, his eyes wide.

“Not only Yu Xihai, but also Ma San from the Black Spirit Sect, the Blue-Faced Fang, and the Blood Centipede.” Gu Baixuan said solemnly, word by word.

"Blood centipede!" The other elders' expressions turned rather grim.

The Gu family has been operating in Thunder Mountain for many years, and besides their overt businesses, they naturally also have clandestine business dealings. They are involved to some extent in the numerous black markets within the Thunder Mountain range.

Although the share was small, it still built a network of interests.

In addition, the Gu family was involved in the circulation of resources in the black market and the industrial profits smuggled to Xuanling Prefecture.

But with so many benefits, even the Gu family alone might not be able to handle them all.

Although the Gu family was quite powerful, with more than one Grandmaster within their ranks, their influence was limited by distance, and the forces within the Thunder Mountain Range were also considerable. Under such circumstances, they naturally needed allies to jointly manage this matter.

Blood Centipede was one of their chosen allies. They provided him with certain conveniences during smuggling and trade. In return, the Gu family would also reciprocate with some benefits.

Although Blood Centipede's strength wasn't particularly top-tier, he held a significant position within the Outer Path Alliance and was adept at cultivating relationships, helping them avoid a lot of trouble.

"Has the Mangdao been discovered?"

"Not necessarily! Mang Dao has only just taken up his post and cannot possibly have access to this information. The intricacies of this matter are confidential even within the family. In my opinion, this is most likely a coincidence."

"A coincidence!? He couldn't wait to go to the Thunder Mountains before even taking up his post, and then, by sheer coincidence, he killed the Blood Centipede. Could that be a coincidence!?" one elder retorted.

"Before taking up his post, he severed one of our Gu family's allies in the Thunder Mountains. What is this? Is he demonstrating against our Gu family, or is he trying to warn us?" an elder said worriedly.

"No need to worry too much. This matter is probably not that complicated. Besides the Blood Centipede, there are other people. And those other people are not allies of the Gu family."

"They may not be allies of the Gu family, but they could be from other families. Blue-faced Fang, Yu Xihai, Ma San, aren't they all notorious for their ruthlessness? They may have connections and ties with other forces behind them."

"You mean, besides showing off against my Gu family, Mang Dao is also showing off against other forces?"

"That's right! Even if it's not a demonstration, it's still meant to be a warning! Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence!"

"No way, Mang Dao might not be that bold! There's a smuggling trade route from the Thunder Mountain Range to Xuanling Prefecture. Besides my Gu family, there are quite a few other forces that profit from this!"

"Mang Dao alone certainly wouldn't have that kind of guts, but what if this is the Gu family's intention?!"

Silence fell over the elders' hall of the Gu family upon hearing this.

The Gu family, as a powerful force, has been involved in the interests of Thunder City for more than a year or two. As a local power, the Gu family inevitably has some conflicts with the Gu family.

However, under their management, these conflicts have remained within a controllable range.

However, recently, with the Gu family's business empire reaching a considerable scale, the clashes between the two have intensified. Especially after Gu Qingchan's transfer to the Ice Soul Needle, the Gu family has made numerous moves, putting them under considerable pressure.

It was only after a long time that Gu Baixuan's voice finally rang out.

"This is indeed possible! If the Gu family has their backing, Chen Ping'an, with his status as the 'Mangdao,' might not necessarily be afraid of the Gu family. However, if the Gu family really has such a plan, it will affect the interests of various families. If they unite, Chen Ping'an might not be able to handle it. Although the Gu family has a strong foundation, this thunder is ultimately the thunder of all parties!"

"Under no circumstances should this matter be publicized. All things that cannot be brought to light should remain hidden. Furthermore..." Gu Baixuan's gaze fell upon one of the elders.

"Did Chen Ping'an, the 'Wild Blade,' kill these Grandmasters one after another, or all at once?"

"We've already deployed our spies in the black markets of the Thunder Mountains, but there's been no feedback yet!"

"This matter is very important. Report back immediately as soon as you have any news!"

"Understood," the elder replied.

Gu Baixuan stood up and looked out the window.

If it's the former, that's fine. But if it's the latter, then Chen Ping'an's strength...
That would be a bit terrifying!

Their emphasis on the Mangdao (a type of Chinese sword) should be increased by at least several levels!

However, the latter possibility is unlikely. To fight several seasoned grandmasters simultaneously and kill them one by one—such a feat is something even a grandmaster might not be able to accomplish!

"What?! Chen Ping'an, the 'Wild Blade,' killed several Grandmasters in the Thunder Mountains? When did that happen?!"

"Really?! What level of cultivation?!"

"The unorthodox master with a blue face and fangs, the evil expert Blood Centipede, the Black Spirit Sect elder Yin Feng Tui Ma San, and... the Black Spirit Sect's young master Yu Xihai!?"

"Yu Xihai!? Wasn't his combat strength supposed to be close to that of a top-tier grandmaster? He's dead!?"

"died."

"This"

"."

The news that Chen Ping'an, the savage swordsman, had killed several grandmasters in the Thunder Mountain Range quickly spread throughout the upper echelons of Thunder City.

The members of these circles include leaders of various forces, core members of organizations, independent cultivators, and a few second and third-generation elites. Their strength is basically at the Grandmaster level, or at the very least, at the pseudo-Grandmaster level.

They are the absolute backbone and elite force in the city of Thunder.

"That reckless thug! He's only just arrived in Leiming and he's already caused such a huge commotion! The Black Spirit Sect..."

"What's wrong with the Black Spirit Sect? Aren't they also killing ruthless bandits and big-time villains?"

"That's true, but the Black Spirit Sect is one of the top powers in the Thunder Mountain Range. Killing their young sect leader would be a huge disaster!"

"What's going on?! Killing someone on the bounty list, how could there be any problems?"

"You're thinking too simply! Over the years, Thunder City and the forces in Thunder Mountain Range have developed a tacit understanding. Many rules are established by convention! There are many things we do on the principle of 'if you don't offend me, I won't offend you!' Now, Mang Dao has just arrived and caused such a commotion! How do you think we should get along with these forces in Thunder Mountain Range from now on?"

Now that you mention it, it does make some sense.

"It's not just reasonable, I think Brother Wu's words couldn't be more accurate. The arrival of Mang Dao has shattered our years of tacit understanding, and things are about to get chaotic! The young sect leader of the Black Spirit Sect has been killed, and the elders have been killed. Do you think the Black Spirit Sect can tolerate this?"

"Yes! The key point is that Mang Dao killed not only people from the Black Spirit Sect, but also people from the Blood Owl Gang, the Outer Path Alliance, and the Left Path Alliance!"

"Oh, is that so?"

"The Blood Centipede of the Outer Path Alliance, the Blue-Faced Fang of the Left Path Alliance, the Black Charcoal of the Blood Owl Gang, and Ma Sanniang—all of these people's heads have fallen to Mang Dao's blade!"

"This...this..." Someone was shocked and speechless for a moment.

"So, all those top powers in the Thunder Mountain Range have been offended by the Wild Blade?" someone asked incredulously.

"It's not entirely true that we've offended everyone; there are still members of the Five Families whom we haven't offended!"

"With so many forces launching an attack at once, what are we going to do?!" Someone asked in a panic. He had also acquired some properties in the Thunder Mountain Range, and if these forces attacked, his losses would be devastating.

"With so many people dead, these forces won't let this go!"

"Ah, the reckless blade." Someone sighed.

There was silence in the room, and after a short while, a voice finally rang out.

"Mang Dao's actions, suppressing bandits and deterring villains, are a righteous act that benefits the country and its people, ensuring peace and security! But why are all your actions considered flawed?! Gentlemen, why boost the morale of others while diminishing your own? This Thunder Mountain Range is ultimately our Thunder Mountain Range!"

“Fellow Daoist Luo is right. In this Thunder Mountain Range, among thousands of peaks, who is the real official? Why should we have to act according to their whims?” someone echoed, their words firm and their expression calm.

Yes, in this Thunderous Mountains, who is truly in charge?! And what head on the Azure Dragon's bounty list can't be taken?!

Why be so timid and hesitant, with so many concerns?

As the two finished speaking, only a soft sigh was heard from the crowd. After a short while, a slightly aged voice rang out: "Fellow Daoist Luo, Fellow Daoist Meng, you two have only recently joined our circle, and there are many crucial points and implications you are still unaware of! This Thunder Mountain Range truly belongs to us! But..."

He paused, looked around the room, and continued, "But it's also the domain of the top powers in the mountains! The Thunderous Mountains are a balance of power, with a tacit understanding. With so much trade and profit involved, tell me, which of you here hasn't shared in the profits? Which of you doesn't have a share in the profits of the Thunderous Mountains? Even if you haven't, what about your families, your influence, your relatives and friends?
The business in the Thunder Mountains doesn't just belong to those powerful forces, it belongs to us too!

This business can continue because of the tacit understanding and established rules among all parties. This ensures a steady stream of profits, which are then distributed among them. Without these rules and understanding, how could this business possibly survive?
Mang Dao's actions have undoubtedly broken the rules and disrupted our tacit understanding. With so many people dead, do you think the forces within the Thunder Mountain Range will remain completely silent?!

Leaving aside the distant future, just considering how much has been lost by disrupting internal business, how much do you think all parties involved will suffer?

"Mang Dao's actions may seem righteous, but in reality, they have broken the rules and resulted in a loss of benefits!"
The Thunder Mountain Range is rife with black markets and smuggling. With various factions vying for power, the key is strategic balance and the greater good. For the sake of the greater good, everything is negotiable and open to discussion.

"What evil spirits, bandits, or thugs? We can discuss anything as long as it benefits the overall situation!"

"."

Inside the bamboo grove, the rustling bamboo leaves echoed, telling the story of the rules of the Thunder Mountain Range, just like the world where black and white are mixed.

Thunderous Garrison Command.

"Is everything settled?" Wu Benqing asked in a deep voice, sitting on the large chair, as he spoke to someone in the shadows beside him.

"The letter has been sent, and the gifts of apology have been prepared. They are just waiting for the special envoy to depart so that they can be taken along." In the shadows stood a figure, shrouded in a dark robe.

"Good!" Wu Benqing tapped the table. "Tell them that the new Inspector General is new here and doesn't know the rules yet. This is an exception, and I hope they can understand!"

"What if they don't understand?" a voice rang out from the shadows, like a tiger or leopard lurking in the dark.

“They will understand!” Wu Benqing raised his head and said calmly, “Weighing the pros and cons is human nature, and they know what to do.”

"Understood." A voice sounded from the shadows, then seemed to vanish.

Wu Benqing, nicknamed "Rogue Blade," looked at the intelligence reports spread across the table with a glint in his eyes.

That day, when Mang Dao produced those heads, it truly startled him. He had calculated everything, but he never expected that Mang Dao would do something so significant on his way to his new post.

The Black Spirit Sect, the Outer Path Alliance, the Left Path Alliance, and the Blood Owl Gang—these are the five top powers of the Thunder Mountain Range, and Mang Dao has offended four of them in one fell swoop. The Thunder Mountain Range has maintained a balance for so long, and Mang Dao, having just taken office, already shows a strong tendency to break it.

In fact, this was something only a reckless person like me could accomplish. If it were anyone else, they might not have even made it out of the Thunder Mountain Range!

Under the overall circumstances, all parties maintain a balance, share interests, and form a tacit understanding. Anyone who breaks this tacit understanding becomes everyone's enemy!
As the saying goes, those who disrupt the overall situation will be attacked by the masses!
This is a common sense principle in the world, and everyone knows it!

If the overall situation is ruined, then naturally one must bear the corresponding consequences. The Thunder Mountains have numerous black markets and smuggling channels to other states, generating extremely lucrative commercial profits each year.

Even with the intervention of various forces that take the lion's share of the profits, after being distributed layer by layer, the final amount reaching the giants is still enormous.

As long as the business is operating normally, it means a stable distribution of profits. Under such circumstances, no one wants any mishaps in this business.

Over the years, a tacit understanding has developed among them. Although many of the heads in the Thunder Mountains are on the Azure Dragon's bounty list, as long as things don't go too far or escalate to a critical level, no one will deliberately target them.

Even if action were to be taken, it would be done only after all parties had reached a consensus and made an agreement before reporting to their superiors.

To act rashly and behead someone would be breaking the rules.

For these top powers within the Thunder Mountain Range to achieve long-term stability and ensure internal cohesion, corresponding safeguards and centripetal forces are naturally necessary.

If a high-ranking member of a faction is killed without cause, they will definitely seek revenge.

Once they provoke the wrath of those forces, their businesses will be affected and their interests will be impacted.

They're all seasoned veterans, ruthless and cunning. There are countless schemes in this world, and countermeasures aren't limited to violence. Forces like those in the Thunder Mountains possess natural advantages and control vast amounts of wealth. If these interests were used as leverage, many factions within Thunder City would have to yield.

If they were to provoke their anger, they wouldn't even need to lift a finger. With a series of countermeasures, many forces within Thunder City would likely be even more anxious than they were.

Ultimately, an internal compromise was reached, the root of the problem was eliminated, and an explanation was given to the other party.

Once the various factions in the Thunder Mountains have achieved satisfactory results, they will cancel their countermeasures, return to a stable phase, and restore the balance of power.

For them, these countermeasures are not without consequences. If overused, they can also lead to a series of backlashes.

After all, even a rabbit will bite when cornered. With a legitimate reason, they can use this to coerce and retaliate without causing too much trouble. But if they continue like this, the forces within Thunder City are not to be trifled with.

They simply possessed the unique geographical advantage of the Thunder Mountains and the survival space created by the power struggles among various parties. If it were solely based on raw strength, the forces within Thunder City would be no less powerful than them, and might even be superior.

However, while the forces within Thunder City are powerful, they won't launch an attack so easily. Firstly, such an attack could easily result in a lose-lose situation, pleasing neither side. Secondly, conflicts don't end overnight; the ongoing struggle would lead to massive losses. Thirdly, this situation is a tacit understanding, with both sides relying on each other, creating a win-win situation where conflict would harm both.

One needs protection, the other needs benefits; the two cooperate, each seeking something in return.

In such a situation, the division into two sides is merely a result of the prevailing circumstances. In reality, the situation is far more complex. Each side possesses considerable power, and their respective needs are not necessarily aligned. Furthermore, there are intricate relationships and networks of interests among them, making the situation extremely complicated.

Through the interactions of all parties, an extremely complex network of interactions and a ecosystem of interests has been built within the city of Thunder.

When Mang Dao first arrived in the Thunder Mountain Range, he killed the core leaders of four powerful factions, causing a huge problem in this interactive chain of interests and ecosystems.

Killing a member of a top-tier power is already a huge blow. Imagine killing four!

That day, when he saw the head that Mangdao Chen Ping'an took out, he was shocked not only by Mangdao's combat power, but also by his actions!
Four!

These are four top-tier forces!

He's caused such a huge mess that even he might not be able to handle it!

That is, the brute force!

If it were anyone else, causing such a huge incident would only mean death! The various factions in Thunder City need his life to quell the anger of the major forces in the Thunder Mountains.

"Fortunately, this matter has been resolved!" Wu Benqing closed his eyes slightly and lay down on the large chair.

This newly appointed ruthless swordsman, Chen Ping'an, is no small fry, nor is he a disposable pawn!
Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, possesses exceptional talent and astonishing potential, making him the only hidden genius in several states!
He was granted the title of Senior Chief Candidate of the Canglong Prefecture Garrison Command and included in the preliminary assessment plan for Deputy Chief, making him a true high-ranking figure within the Canglong Prefecture!

These people are renowned wherever they are!
In addition, Chen Ping'an, the valiant swordsman, is also the son-in-law of the Gu family, with the support of the Canglong Gu family.

Most importantly, Chen Ping'an, the "Reckless Blade," was registered with the Northern Border Garrison Command, attracting the attention of higher-ups.

With such a background, status, and talent, how could an ordinary person dare to offend them?
It is he who, despite causing such a huge commotion, can still calmly and comfortably continue to serve in his post.

Although it disrupted the overall situation to some extent, no one dared to retaliate. At most, they could only grumble in private.

Of course, there are other reasons besides Mangdao's identity and background for achieving this result.

That is because Mang Dao had just taken up his post, or even was in the middle of taking up his post, when this incident occurred.

How can someone who hasn't even taken up their post be expected to understand the ecosystem and overall interests of Leiming?

With this reason in mind, he sent a special envoy to explain, and the forces in the Thunder Mountains would understand.

That's how the world works. Only those with connections and power have the opportunity to make excuses. If you lack power and connections, who cares about your reasons and explanations? They only care about the results.

If the outcome is bad, then all talk is just empty words. No matter the reason, take responsibility for yourself first!
This world is always so realistic!
Even if someone without ability or background does something flawless and impeccable, they may still be pushed out to take the blame for others in certain situations!
I haven't taken up my post yet and am unaware of these rules. I accidentally killed these masters. It was a mistake, but I had no intention of doing so. I hope you can understand!
After weighing the pros and cons, which forces know what choice to make in this matter?
Fortunately, Mangdao had not yet taken up his post, otherwise this matter might not have been resolved so easily.

Once Mang Dao takes office, any words or actions he speaks or takes could be interpreted as the will of the Zhenfu Division. This situation could easily lead the forces in the Thunder Mountain Range to misjudge the situation, thus triggering a crisis of trust.

"In any case, this matter is now tentatively resolved. I hope that Mang Dao can assess the situation and live a peaceful life from now on! If he causes any more trouble, then..." Wu Benqing opened his eyes, a hint of coldness in them: "Don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Wild Blade, Wild Blade!" Gu Luping sat in the communal room, his mind still replaying the family letters.

This newcomer, Mang Dao, has certainly opened his eyes to a whole new world.

There are only five top-tier forces in the Black Spirit Sect, the Outer Path Alliance, the Left Path Alliance, the Blood Owl Gang, and the Thunder Mountain Range. With his arrival, Chen Ping'an, the Brute Blade, has offended four of them!

Regardless of the impact, this kind of ability is truly something that not just anyone can do!
He had previously thought that Mang Dao's delay of more than half a month in taking his post was overly arrogant. Now it seems he wasn't arrogant at all. Judging from the Grandmaster he slew, Mang Dao has clearly been quite busy these past two weeks!
Young Master of the Black Spirit Sect, Elder, Core Member of the Left Path Alliance and Outer Path Alliance, Direct Heir of the Blood Owl Gang
He was able to sit in the position of the second-in-command of the Thunderous Garrison, so he was naturally no incompetent fool. He had been a top-tier grandmaster for many years, and when he unleashed his full power, he could unleash combat strength at the threshold of a grandmaster.

Even so, he was still amazed by Chen Ping'an's achievements in the past half month, even to the point of being somewhat shocked.

He didn't know about the others, but he had dealt with the Blood Centipede before. While its combat strength might not be top-tier among senior grandmasters, its survival and endurance were definitely among the best!

Chen Ping'an was able to kill him, which undoubtedly means he possessed the power of a top-tier grandmaster! In fact, in some killing techniques, he was even stronger than those of ordinary top-tier grandmasters.

"A hidden dragon among prodigies." Gu Luping's eyes widened in shock. He stood by the window with his hands behind his back, looking down at the Thunder City.

"Chen Ping'an, you will receive your due share of the profits; not a single penny will be shortchanged. Everything will be delivered to your desk in its entirety. I hope you..."
"Adapt to Lei Ming's rules as soon as possible, and don't cause trouble!"

Lei Ming's overall situation is not something that anyone can shake!
Within a few days, all the forces in Thunder City knew about Chen Ping'an, the savage swordsman, killing the bounty master.

This action by the reckless swordsman is detrimental to the overall situation, a consensus that has emerged among high-level officials.

This matter has sparked much discussion.

However, the discussion mostly takes place during private gatherings. In public, no one dares to openly discuss it, let alone criticize it.

Criticizing industry giants before the situation is settled is suicidal!

Beneath the savage blade, the blood of those grandmasters still flows!

In private discussions, the vast majority of opinions held that Mang Dao's actions had disrupted the ecosystem of interests, would provoke the wrath of various forces in the Thunder Mountain Range, and would ruin the overall situation.

Those who manage to enter the upper echelons of Thunder City are all more or less involved in this ecosystem of interests. Even those who are not directly involved are often connected to powerful families behind them.

Not only that, even the bigwigs of the Zhenfu Division and Qiankun Division often had their share of the profits involved. Even those who were of noble character and high moral integrity could not avoid the involvement of their colleagues, family members and friends, and thus be dragged into it.

After the incident involving the Mang Dao, many people found their own channels to try and find out the latest developments of various forces within the Thunder Mountain Range.

They wanted to see what level of countermeasures the various parties in the Thunder Mountains would employ this time, so they could make adjustments and responses in advance.

Some conspiracy theorists believe that Mangdao's visit is aimed at reshuffling interests or gaining leverage in negotiations to reap greater benefits.

However, such views are only held by a minority, and some points cannot withstand scrutiny and do not form a logical loop.

In mainstream opinion, the situation can be divided into two main aspects. One is that Mangdao has a fiery temper and acts without considering the consequences, failing to anticipate such a crucial point. The other is that Gu Jia may have been involved in this matter, aiming to disrupt Leiming's existing power structure.

Regardless of their viewpoints, most people are opposed to Mangdao's actions, and some radicals have criticized him in private!

"You don't even understand the big picture! How can you be the Inspector General!"

"At such a young age, he doesn't know the immensity of the world!"

"These forces have caused trouble and damaged our interests; none of us will benefit! Why should we all bear the consequences of what the 'Mangdao' does?!"

"They've only just arrived and they're already ruining everyone's business! What will happen next?!"

"Hey"

"."

Similar criticisms occasionally appear, but few people agree with them, clearly indicating that they are wary and dare not speak recklessly.

As public opinion in Leiming City fermented and stirred up a storm, Chen Ping'an also officially assumed the position of Chief Inspector of Leiming Town.

Oversees the Leiming Town Pacification Division's supervisory system and coordinates the supervisory matters of the Leiming branch of the Qiankun Division, including execution, support, assessment, supervision, accountability, and coordination.

The entire Leiming Town Pacification Office has a vast supervisory system, from the grassroots neighborhoods to the urban area, the inner city, and the central hub of the city, with numerous offices and supervisory personnel.

With Chen Ping'an's official appointment, these items were confirmed to be under his management.

After taking office, before Chen Ping'an could even get used to official duties and familiarize himself with the people, he went to the Gu family's residence to visit Gu Qingchan, the Ice Soul Needle.

Gu Qingchan is stationed in Leiming, and is the Gu family's top person in Leiming. Her position is extraordinary, and she seems to be hiding behind the scenes.

As the son-in-law of the Gu family, he should pay a visit to Leiming upon his first arrival.

Moreover, he had other motives for this visit.

(End of this chapter)