"Now that the Xishui Alliance is becoming increasingly aggressive, relying on the Holy Spirit Cult behind them, they've become more and more arrogant. They're even plotting to unify Mingdu's entire underworld. Their tone recently has been outrageous. If this continues, we might soon…" one of her subordinates said hesitantly.
"If they're planning to reshuffle the underworld's power, then the Pingfan Alliance might cease to exist," Shangguan Weier replied helplessly.
The three major underground forces each held a piece of the pie:
The Pingfan Alliance controlled the entire adult entertainment industry in Mingdu, making it the most surface-level underground force.
The Aodu Chamber of Commerce handled things like assassin guilds, thieves' guilds, and other criminal groups. They specialized in collecting protection fees, assassinations, theft, and other dirty jobs.
The Xishui Alliance was far more high-end, dealing in the most profitable trades in the underworld—drugs and arms trafficking—and also "moonlighted" in human trafficking.
Due to Xishui's increasing pressure, the Pingfan Alliance and Aodu Chamber of Commerce had begun to lean toward forming an alliance to resist. However, their backers—the military and nobility of the Sun-Moon Empire—weren't nearly as powerful as the Holy Spirit Cult. Plus, the forces had few points of contact, and it was only because of behind-the-scenes compromises from major players that a fragile peace had remained.
All three had a stake in the rare metal smuggling market, since these materials were insanely profitable. If they could get involved in mining, the costs were low, but the profits—astronomical.
Take Soulforged Silver as an example. It's a rare metal with extremely high soul power affinity, able to blend into any metal and enhance both durability and soul power conduction. It's an essential ingredient for high-level soul tools.
This metal could only be mined in the Sun-Moon Empire, with a production cost of about 500 gold soul coins per kilogram, but its market price was 100 gold soul coins per gram—a 200x profit margin! How could anyone not go crazy over that? Even with heavy skimming along the way, the profits were still massive.
And Soulforged Silver was only mid-range in terms of profit. Rarer materials were even more shockingly expensive.
With such lucrative profits on the line, the three underground forces extended their reach across the continent.
Each year, this brought them enormous returns—despite the fact that rare metals were classified as strategic resources, under national monopoly, and banned from export.
Now, the Holy Spirit Cult's goal was to swallow the other two, monopolize the rare metals black market, and massively expand their power.
"The Xishui Alliance's leader has already sent an invitation, proposing that the three sides hold a competition at the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, which will take place in the Sun-Moon Empire four years from now. Each force will send three participants, under the age of twenty. Winner takes all," Shangguan Weier sighed.
"That's why you've been searching for young talent lately… especially that girl with the angelic martial soul—you're giving her every resource she needs…" her subordinate finally realized.
"Yes. But ultimately, it's all just a castle in the sky. Without a powerful backer, it's all meaningless," Shangguan Weier said, her eyes filled with worry.
She had lost her parents young and grew up in the underworld, deeply understanding its cruel rules.
Even if they won four years later, what then?
The Holy Spirit Cult was about to become the national religion, their power at its peak. The noble supporting her—the so-called "Sun-Moon Royalty"—was no real emperor, not someone like Xu Cheng, but a retired, idle prince. He had some resources, but far from enough.
If the Xishui Alliance flipped the table, they'd be forced to give up everything they had.
Otherwise… they'd die!
"Maybe you should try asking for help from above?" her subordinate suggested.
"Haa… That might be the only way. Keep an eye on that girl—make sure nothing happens to her. She is our ace card. There's no second."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Mingdu, inside a relatively low-key royal manor.
"Your Highness, the Pingfan Alliance leader requests an audience," the attendant reported.
"What's she here for at this time?" said an elderly white-haired man dressed in fine robes, sitting pensively on a wooden chair.
His son beside him looked anxious. "Father, it's cold outside—just let her in already. Don't leave a lady freezing…"
"Silence!"
The old prince scolded him with a glare.
The young man immediately drooped his head and shut up.
"Fine. Let her in," the old prince said, tapping his cane and gesturing casually with his other hand.
With a waft of fragrance, a woman in a red long dress walked gracefully into the room.
She was stunning—long chestnut hair coiled into an elegant bun, every step oozing grace. Her holy aura clashed intriguingly with her alluring curves, making the young prince gulp in awe.
"Greetings to Your Highness and the Young Lord. I, Weier, offer my respects," she said with a gentle smile, curtsying lightly.
"Not necessary. So, Alliance Leader, what brings you here?" the old prince asked evenly, still composed on his wooden seat.
Despite having retired from Mingde Hall years ago, he remained a true prince and an eighth-ranked Soul Engineer, with considerable influence. Even Xu Zhen addressed him as "Royal Uncle."
Shangguan Weier sat elegantly, a trace of nervousness in her manner.
Then she stated her purpose.
The prince stroked his beard and fell into thought.
The Holy Spirit Cult was indeed a colossal force, especially with their ambiguous ties to the ruling powers.
But to try and monopolize all underground metal profits? That was rather ambitious.
He didn't believe a certain prince would allow that, especially with rumors swirling about internal discord—namely, the Holy Son having conflicts with the Holy Spirit Cult Leader due to differing ideologies…
If that was true, there might be a way in.
After all, he himself was a vested interest, and wouldn't tolerate his profits being taken.
Those who touch one's wealth are…
But he didn't speak first. Instead, he looked to Shangguan Weier and asked, "So what exactly do you want?"
"Your Highness, our strength is too fragile. I fear even if we win, it will be a fragile illusion, easily shattered."
"You're quite frank," the prince said, not offended by her bluntness, and nodded.
"Since you came to me, you must already have a plan. Speak—who is it?"
"…His Highness, the Eleventh Prince—Xu Cheng!"
"Him? You certainly dare to aim high," the old prince chuckled.
"If we could gain his backing, we'd finally have the strength to stand up to the Xishui Alliance. Right now, he's the only person who could shake the entire system with just one move," Shangguan Weier said directly, her eyes filled with hope.
Xu Cheng had ties to far too many powerful figures. His influence in the Sun-Moon Empire was like a spider web, and he was at the very center. If they could gain his protection, it would be the ultimate life-saving charm.
"And what makes you think I could convince him?" the prince asked indifferently.
"The underground market yields enormous profits. As the actual ruler of the Sun-Moon Empire, he has no reason not to be interested. The circulation of these rare metals happens with his tacit approval — by tolerating the existence of this underground market. As for when he'll step in... he's just been waiting for the right opportunity!"
Shangguan Weier decisively added, "Because many people have their eyes on him now. If he wants to step in, he'll need a proper excuse. And we could be that..."
"Not enough!" The old prince tapped his cane and interrupted her.
He stared at Shangguan Weier. "You've come up with a clever idea. Sounds like you want to use the opportunity to grab more benefits for yourself?"
"I... I wouldn't dare," Shangguan Weier replied, looking guilty.
But inside, she was calm as ever. Sometimes showing a bit of greed was the best way to avoid suspicion from those in power.
"Hmph. I know what you're thinking. But trying to play tricks in front of him? Still too immature. To have carved his way up with sheer ability, without backing from his maternal clan — in front of such a monster, it's best to be honest." The old prince snorted coldly.
"I understand..." Shangguan Weier quickly stood up.
"Enough. If we want to get close to such a towering figure, we can't threaten or bribe him — the only way is to align with his intentions, and make everything seem natural... Hm, right, that reminds me."
The old prince slapped the table.
"I just remembered — some days ago, that person has been sending subordinates around, searching for someone with an Angel Martial Soul. Seems he's in quite a rush. You're deeply entrenched in Mingdu's underground world. Tracking people down is your specialty — why don't you give it a try? If it works out..."
"Then this whole matter might be secured."
"You said... Angel Martial Soul?!" Shangguan Weier's eyes narrowed, her tone urgent.
"Yes. Only Angel Martial Soul. And it has to be the purest kind. The military and royal family have been searching for ages with no news, which shows just how rare this Martial Soul is. Of course, it's just worth a try. If you find someone, great... have you seen one before?" the old prince asked, smacking his lips.
"I... I haven't," Shangguan Weier replied, feigning a frown of helplessness. "Angel Martial Souls really are hard to find. Not sure if we'll have any luck..."
She was an eighth-level soul engineer — when dealing with experts at the same level, hiding her fluster wasn't too difficult.
"..."
"Alliance Leader, take care..."
The young prince stepped into the room, still savoring the beauty's every smile and expression.
But as soon as he entered, a teacup smacked him on the head.
Scalding tea splashed across his face along with shards of broken jade, followed by a crisp crack.
"Father! I was wrong!" he immediately dropped to his knees in panic.
"You don't know a damn thing!" the old prince shouted, beard bristling and eyes wide.
"How many times have I told you? That woman is untouchable! Untouchable! She's a poisonous flower — looks glamorous on the outside, but no one can truly control her. If you get involved with her without knowing what you're doing, you're walking straight into death!"
"But Father, she's one of your subordinates..."
"Subordinate, my ass! It's a partnership!" the old prince bellowed.
"She's an eighth-level soul engineer. The Pingfan Alliance is her force. The only thing she lacks is my political network in the Sun-Moon Empire. We're simply filling each other's gaps."
"If you let her charm you again, just get out of the royal manor and fend for yourself. And as for inheriting the manor — forget it!"
"..."
...
(End of this chapter)