Chapter 822: Chapter 824: Refusing to Join

Jian Chunqiu briefly introduced the origins of the Dragon Group.

Originally, there was no Dragon Group at all; it was merely derived from two factions trying to legitimize their martial arts heart method and cultivation method as the correct one.

The establishment of the Dragon Group was meant to conflict with Ancient Martial Arts; in other words, it was specifically aimed at Ancient Martial Arts.

However, Chu Ge was puzzled as to why the Ancient Martial Arts did not also establish a group targeting the Dragon Group at that time.

Jian Chunqiu seemed to notice the confusion in Chu Ge’s heart. He shook his head and explained to Chu Ge, “If our Ancient Martial Artists had also established a group targeting the Dragon Group, do you think there would ever be a day of peace between the two factions?”

Chu Ge froze for a moment, then realized.

Indeed, if the Ancient Martial Arts had really established such a sect specifically against the Dragon Group, this martial world would not be peaceful, and the two factions would not have remained relatively untroubled till now.

Chu Ge knew there were other cultivation methods in this world but hadn’t considered that someone would go to such extreme measures to legitimize their cultivation method.

“It seems tomorrow’s martial arts contest won’t proceed smoothly.”

After a long pause, Chu Ge spoke softly.

Jian Chunqiu looked at him curiously and asked, “What’s wrong? Did you find something else out?”

Chu Ge shook his head, “I’m just speculating. Today, three consecutive stores on Jinghua Road were attacked. I think it’s more than just three stores. They don’t harm anyone; they only want to cause panic, not even bothering to hide their faces. They don’t even change out of their kimonos. Their intention is clear: to show everyone who’s behind this.”

“Considering the current major events in the Capital City, isn’t it the summit among Ancient Martial Arts? Because of the summit, it has influenced the city’s security. Do you think this summit can continue?”

This is the conclusion he reached after a series of analyses.

Although these Shadow Killers and Dragon Group are not in collusion, they have come for the same purpose. Even if they didn’t plan things in advance, the outcomes of their actions indeed raise suspicions.

Jian Chunqiu pondered for a moment; Chu Ge’s analysis wasn’t without reason.

In previous years, only the Dragon Group came to cause trouble, and they only caused trouble. But this year is different; there’s now an additional Shadow Organization.

The two fell silent again. Before long, Jian Chunqiu’s phone suddenly rang; it was Zhang Cheng calling.

Jian Chunqiu answered, “What’s wrong?”

“Pavilion Master, there is new information.” On the call, Zhang Cheng reported newly acquired information to Jian Chunqiu, “We found a shadow force has also infiltrated the Capital City.”

Jian Chunqiu pressed his lips, “I already knew.”

Zhang Cheng was taken aback, he already knew? Should he continue with what he was going to say?

“Is there anything else?”

Jian Chunqiu asked again.

Zhang Cheng, being a methodical person, briefly pondered and then began reporting what he had learned to Jian Chunqiu, “Today, they also smashed many stores, resulting in losses totaling a hundred million.”

Jian Chunqiu squinted slightly; this number truly surprised him. It seemed as Chu Ge said, they didn’t just target three stores, causing such significant losses that tomorrow’s martial arts contest would have to be suspended.

“Continue,” Jian Chunqiu commanded.

Zhang Cheng said, “Based on our investigation, the losses were not caused by the Dragon Group but by an organization called the Shadow Assassin Organization. This organization is…”

“Get to the point,” Jian Chunqiu, somewhat frustrated, rubbed his brow; he already knew what Zhang Cheng was saying.

Zhang Cheng froze for a moment; the point? Aren’t these the points?

Across the phone screen, Jian Chunqiu couldn’t see Zhang Cheng’s expression of scratching his head in frustration, but he thought for a long time without finding the actual point.

He could only tentatively say, “We found some clues suggesting this shadow organization is colluding with someone within our Ancient Martial Arts. Initial signs point to the Sect Hierarch of the Black Witch Sect, Black Widow.”

Jian Chunqiu’s eyes shot a dangerous light; he had been considering which major sect might collude with the shadow organization. Someone capable of collaboration must hold a high status, yet he went over numerous sects without believing anyone would team up with the shadow organization.

Between these sects, though some are at odds, their inherent nature isn’t bad, nor would they perform such treacherous acts for their own gain.

However, the Black Witch Sect wouldn’t be ruled out. Due to previous reasons for crusading against the Black Witch Sect, he hadn’t considered them. But now, thinking about it, Black Widow collaborating with these people seemed somewhat reasonable.

After hanging up the call, Jian Chunqiu conveyed what Zhang Cheng had told him to Chu Ge. Chu Ge was silent for a moment before slowly saying, “Looks like Black Widow is exacting revenge.”

Avenging those past sects that crusaded against Black Witch Sect. He remembered that the Black Witch Sect lost hundreds of disciples during those attacks. Because of them, many disciples defected for safety, turning a once thriving sect into a dog kicked around. This grudge was enough for Black Widow to take such extreme actions.

Curiously, Chu Ge asked, “Then will the summit continue tomorrow?”

Jian Chunqiu shook his head. “Zhang Cheng didn’t mention.”

Just as he finished speaking, Zhang Cheng’s call came in again.

“Pavilion Master, there’s one more thing. Just received a notice: tomorrow’s martial arts contest is canceled and changed to a high-level meeting.”

A high-level meeting?

“What does this mean?”

Jian Chunqiu asked.

“Actually, it’s quite similar to today’s meeting. Participants are elders from various major sects, no disciples involved.”

It seems they want to discuss response strategies against these two forces moving in aggressively.

“I understand.”

Jian Chunqiu hung up, looking up at Chu Ge, “As you mentioned, the contest is canceled and replaced with a high-level meeting.”

This so-called high-level meeting refers to a meeting attended by elders from major sects, excluding independent practitioners like Chu Ge.

“Would you consider joining our Sword Pavilion now? I can arrange an elder position for you so you can participate with me tomorrow.”

Jian Chunqiu’s voice was teasing; he hadn’t given up on pulling Chu Ge into the sect.

Chu Ge chuckled softly and shook his head. “I’m not interested in such meetings. Since you all are holding a meeting tomorrow, the Gambling Stone Field will be busy again. I won’t join in the commotion.”

Though he didn’t explicitly say no to joining the Sword Pavilion, his words conveyed his intent quite clearly.

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