The next day, June 21.

Chen Xiang sat at the head of the table, sipping hot tea while several high-level officials from the construction company stood rigidly, reporting in turn.

"The security and operations departments have assembled, and all personnel on leave have been summoned. We are fully prepared for combat."

"The invitation has been sent to the Nine Rings, and the governor has also approved the inter-ring application."

"Who is the enemy, Chairman?"

They looked respectfully at the young man before them, not daring to show any signs of negligence. The examples of Shi Quan and Zhong Chengfu were still fresh in their minds. The one parachuting in was a young man who was not skilled in planning but had the power to suppress everything and directly overturn the table.

Chen Xiang slowly finished his tea and put down the cup.

"I grew up in the Eighth Ring and have always dreamed of making the Outer Three Rings as peaceful as the Central Three Rings. I desire order and stability."

"The Great City has given up on the Outer Three Rings, but I have not."

"I want to transform the entire Outer Three Rings into a safe zone. I want stability."

"And the enemy is anyone who wishes to disrupt this stability."

He scanned the high-level officials, then asked淡淡, "Do you understand?"

The officials exchanged glances, then all nodded in unison and bowed.

"Chairman, we understand your intentions!"

"Very well. Inform the governor that from today onwards, the construction company will temporarily take over government affairs, and he must relinquish his authority."

One of the senior officials couldn't help but speak up: "Chairman, this… this may be quite difficult."

Chen Xiang casually rose and draped a large cloak adorned with tiger and wolf motifs over his shoulders. As he turned to leave, he casually tossed out a light comment: "Tell him to accept it; otherwise, I will personally send him on his way."

His indifferent voice lingered long after he had left the spacious conference room, leaving the construction company executives in silence.

After a long while, an elderly official swallowed hard and sighed, "This man's ambition is enormous."

"But it's thorough." Another murmured, "Under the pretense of maintaining stability and establishing a safe zone, he aims to unify the entire Outer Three Rings and become its master."

Pausing, he looked excited: "Even if the Academy doesn't provide assistance, with the construction company's capabilities combined with the Seventh Ring's governing office, perhaps it could really be done!"

Several high-ranking officials grew excited as they saw a path they had never imagined before.

Someone exclaimed with enthusiasm, "If we succeed, we will all be elders!"

"But what if the Great City is enraged?"

"If what the Chairman said is true, and the Great City has abandoned the Outer Three Rings, why would they care who becomes the new master of the Outer Three Rings?"

"True enough."

...

"He is committing treason! This is treason!!"

The governor of the Seventh Ring shattered his teacup in rage, trembling with anger. "What does he want? This is the Great City! Is Chen Xiang crazy? Asking me to give up my power—how can he…"

The governor's voice came to a halt.

"Go on, I'm listening."

Chen Xiang, who had appeared in the office unnoticed, looked calm.

The governor's expression froze, and sweat streamed down his back.

Wearing a cloak with tiger and wolf motifs, Chen Xiang slowly approached him, gazing intently.

"Stand up."

The governor hesitated for a moment, then, listening to his heart, carefully stood up: "Mr. Chen, I didn't mean it like that."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Chen Xiang sat in the governor's chair, his hands clasped together, his expression unreadable.

"Who am I?"

"You are… Mr. Chen?"

"And what else?"

"You are the greatest chairman in the history of the construction company."

"Is that all?"

An oppressive feeling settled in the governor's heart. After a long silence, he finally lowered his head: "You are the new master of the Seventh Ring."

"Very good."

Chen Xiang leaned back in the chair: "Mobilize all police in the Seventh Ring, arm them, and gather them in the Eighth Ring. This is my first order."

"Your order will be faithfully executed."

The governor replied with deep respect.

"You are good."

Chen Xiang stood up, smiled, and patted the governor's shoulder before walking into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

After he left, the governor remained frozen for a long time, then suddenly coughed up blood.

"This level of power…"

He touched his shoulder, fear etched on his face, and the last remnants of his thoughts vanished.

...

"Where have you been the past few days?" Wei Qingqiu asked curiously.

"I was dealing with some matters," Chen Xiang smiled. "I've taken over the construction company in the Seventh Ring and plan to attempt unifying the Outer Three Rings."

"This seems off," Wei Qingqiu frowned. "It's a trap."

"I know."

"Then why?"

"Don't worry, I have it under control." Chen Xiang reassured her a bit before changing the topic. "By the way, did you come to see me for something urgent?"

Little Wei hesitated to speak.

After a long while, she sighed softly.

"Do you remember I told you I'm the seventh child in my family?"

"I remember, very well."

Chen Xiang nodded firmly: "You also told me that your siblings have strange names like ‘Head,' ‘Little Head,' and ‘Unreliable.'"

Wei Qingqiu curled her lips: "My father's naming ability is truly lacking; what can I do? Anyway, I just got news that my sixth brother has come to the Great City."

"Why is he here?"

"To take me home!" Little Wei said indignantly.

Chen Xiang was a bit curious: "To take you? Did you elope or something?"

"Get lost!"

Wei Qingqiu snapped back angrily: "It's complicated; I can't explain it clearly. My family situation is a bit special; it's different from ordinary wealthy or powerful families. We have a rule that siblings must compete against each other. Whoever wins will inherit the family property. I don't want to inherit; I don't want to compete, but I have no say in the matter."

Chen Xiang listened, a bit confused: "Siblings must fight each other? Is your father sick? If I didn't know better, I'd think you have a throne to inherit, like in some drama of ‘the seven dragons vying for supremacy.'"

Wei Qingqiu pulled a face, hesitating to speak.

Chen Xiang's eye twitched: "Wait a minute, what expression is that? There can't be an actual throne, right? Just a moment…"

He swiftly took out his phone and quietly searched for ‘Eastern Hongguo.'

Chen Xiang stared at the entry for the Wei family royal clan of Eastern Hongguo on his phone, lost in thought.

"You're…"

His expression gradually turned strange. "A princess?"

Little Wei weakly replied, "I called you here to strategize for me. My sixth brother will find me sooner or later, and I don't want to go back."

"I think you could go back," Chen Xiang chuckled. "That's the queen we're talking about. If you become one, wouldn't I have free rein in this vast world?"

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Wei Qingqiu rolled her eyes. "Be serious!"

"Alright, alright."

Chen Xiang laughed lightly. "If you don't want to go back, then don't. Can your sixth brother really come after you? Don't worry, I'll keep him at bay."

"You'll keep a big nothing at bay!" Wei Qingqiu shot back angrily. "My sixth brother is a sage—A SAGE! You want to use your head to block him? Think of something fast!"

"Don't worry," Chen Xiang said calmly. "I can handle sages too. I'm heading to the Ninth Ring shortly; want to come along?"

Wei Qingqiu facepalmed, feeling exasperated. "Chen, you never blush when you boast. Just go by yourself; I need to see our boss, that Apostle we talk about. He's the only one who can save my life. I'll come back and find you in the Ninth Ring."

After a pause, she patted Chen Xiang's shoulder gallantly. "Even though you can't help me and are just full of hot air, I'm still loyal. If you run into trouble in the Ninth Ring, give me a call, and I'll bring the boss to back you up!"

"Alright, I'll thank you in advance, Your Highness the Princess."

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

...

Afternoon.

Ninth Ring.

At the Tianzhong Hotel, Li Xiaotong served a cup of hot tea. "Mom, I've located the families of several of my students. They've been settled; thank you."

Her mother nodded slightly and casually asked, "By the way, what about that Chen? Still no news?"

Li Xiaotong shook her head.

Her mother looked somewhat regretful. "He must have gone to the Seventh Ring. What a pity; his talent is terrifying. If he steps into the extraordinary realm, he could be an excellent ally."

Li Xiaotong asked curiously, "Mom, what happened today? You seem worried."

Her mother shook her head slightly. "The construction group from the Seventh Ring suddenly sent an invitation, inviting me, the old lame man, and that noble to gather at my hotel tonight. It seems quite strange."

"The construction group?" Li Xiaotong looked puzzled, clearly unfamiliar with the happenings of the Seventh Ring.

"A colossal entity that dominates the entire Seventh Ring."

Her mother frowned slightly. "That construction group wasn't significant before; the strongest two were just at the extraordinary level. But recently, news came that they have a new master—very mysterious, ruthless, and reportedly crushed those two extraordinary beings upon taking office."

After a pause, her gaze deepened. "This mysterious master from the construction group sending an invitation probably doesn't come with good intentions."

Li Xiaotong pondered. "If Uncle Lame and the noble are also coming, that person can't possibly take us on alone, right?"

"Hard to say, but we need to treat this seriously."

Her mother took a sip of the hot tea her daughter had just brewed, then thought for a moment. "Tonight's meeting will likely be more of a negotiation. What exactly will happen…"

Before she could finish, a servant hurried in to report.

"Received word that the noble and Uncle Lame are already on their way and should arrive in no more than two hours."

Her mother paused her voice. "Alright, check for any oversights and prepare the staff for their arrival."

"Understood."

The servant respectfully continued, "There's also a visitor outside the hotel, a friend of the young lady. They seemed to have stayed at the hotel a few days ago."

"Oh? Was it that Chen from a few days ago?"

Her mother became interested, while Li Xiaotong walked over to the window to peek outside.

She caught sight of that familiar yet strange figure.

"It's him. No, it's… Him."

Li Xiaotong trembled, her entire vision consumed and filled by that incredible silhouette!