Many voices rose in agreement. Normally, the areas closer to the inner rings are stronger, but the Ninth Ring is an exception—chaotic, corrupt, and utterly ungoverned. Each of the three major figures in the Ninth Ring could easily dominate the Middle Three Rings!

Chen Xiang clasped his hands together on the table, watching with great interest.

At that moment, Big Black shook his head: "Everyone, remember, I'm talking about the new master of the Seventh Ring, not the Seventh Ring Construction Group."

The shouting began to die down, and Aunt Li frowned, asking, "Big Black, what do you mean by that?"

Big Black, with his left eye covered by a black patch, gathered his hands and said calmly, "Three pieces of news."

He raised a hand: "First, the governor of the Seventh Ring has chosen to unconditionally transfer all administrative powers to the new master of the Construction Group. So, to be precise, he is the new master of the entire Seventh Ring."

"Second, the former governor is now very close to becoming a sage, but is currently in the Supernatural Hospital with a crushed scapula and severely damaged internal organs. There's a distinct handprint on his left shoulder."

"Third, the Fire Gate of the Eighth Ring has merged with the Construction Group, and Li Dongyun has joined them."

The banquet hall erupted into murmurs, everyone exchanging glances.

"The governor unconditionally relinquished all power?" someone questioned. The people of the Ninth Ring had no reverence for the so-called governor; they knew how many had been eliminated, but they also understood that someone who reached that level would never easily give up power, especially the governor of Great City! With the resources available to a governor from the Outer Three Rings, ten stable years in office could lead to becoming a sage! The difference between a supernatural being and a sage was vast, akin to the chasm between a supernatural being and a master of the Mystic Arts!

Big Black frowned at the questioner: "Are you doubting the accuracy of my information?"

The person's expression shifted, quickly shaking his head: "You misunderstand."

For a broker, for an information dealer, the accuracy of intel is crucial—it can determine one's reputation and even life. Without evidence, no doubt should be allowed.

Old Lame tapped the table, squinting slightly: "Big Black, your reach seems long enough to extend into the Seventh Ring."

Big Black shrugged: "Unfortunately, the regulations between the rings in Great City are too strict. If it weren't for this incident in the Eighth Ring, I wouldn't have gotten this information."

After a pause, he clasped his hands again: "That said, this information alone proves how terrifying the new master of the Seventh Ring is. He is certainly no ordinary person, most likely at the sage level."

Aunt Li frowned slightly: "Big Black, do you know what he wants? To establish a foothold in the Ninth Ring? Or is it simply to collaborate with us?"

"I don't know," Big Black replied, his tone low. "But it definitely won't be the latter. This new master of the Seventh Ring acts swiftly. In just two days, he has eliminated internal instability and forced the governor to surrender all power."

He paused before continuing: "A person like that has ambitions and a vision far greater than just simple cooperation with the Ninth Ring. That would benefit him, but only marginally."

Whispers filled the hall, and many looked uneasy. Yuan Wanli leaned closer and asked softly, "Teacher Chen, what do you think about this?"

"Me?" Chen Xiang smiled: "I'm just here to watch."

Yuan Wanli scratched his head: "True, we can't interfere in these big shots' matters. Well, I can't, but you might still be able to make a move."

Chen Xiang couldn't help but chuckle, then asked, "Are you not planning to return to the academy?"

"I'm not going back," Yuan Wanli shook his head. "The academy only allows students into the Sixth Ring. I can't just leave my parents in the Ninth Ring."

Chen Xiang tilted his head, his expression meaningful: "That means you're missing out on a great opportunity. As they say in the Donghong Kingdom, ‘the dragon gate is near, but the carp turns back.'"

"Opportunities aren't worth more than family," Yuan Wanli retorted. "I have no great ambitions; I just want to live a stable life."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Chen Xiang nodded slightly: "You're quite similar to my older sister."

"Really?" Yuan Wanli scratched his head, looking puzzled and wanting to say more, but then he jumped at a loud bang.

It was Old Lame, who had made the noise by pounding the table. He had worked his way up from obscurity and carried a certain pride, coldly snorting: "What's there to be afraid of? What are you all scared of? A guy we haven't even seen yet is scaring you?"

His murky eyes flashed with a cold light: "No matter how strong this new master of the Seventh Ring is, he's just a sage at most. I've killed sages before! Aunt Li, don't you agree?"

Aunt Li's lips twitched, and her expression turned slightly sour.

Old Lame continued: "Even if he's truly formidable, there are three of us here! As long as the Duke and Aunt Li don't hide anything and don't stab us in the back, driving away an outsider would be easy!"

The Duke glanced at Chen Xiang and nodded slightly: "Old Lame isn't wrong. Right now, it's all about reacting to what comes our way. But I'd say, if that fellow's requests aren't excessive, it wouldn't hurt to agree. Harmony leads to prosperity."

"Harmony leads to prosperity?" Old Lame scoffed. "Duke, that doesn't sound like you. You're not that much younger than I am—how come you've lost your edge?"

The Duke shrugged, not replying. Sitting in the main seat, Aunt Li slowly spoke: "Alright, everyone, stop arguing. Old Lame is right. As long as we don't have infighting, we need not fear this incoming outsider. The Duke is also correct; if that fellow's demands aren't too excessive, it wouldn't be a problem to agree."

She paused before continuing: "Now that Great City is showing signs of chaos, being more stable can lead to a longer survival!"

Everyone in the banquet hall nodded, but Old Lame looked displeased, striking the ground with his long umbrella: "Are you saying we should compromise? ‘Compromise' has never been in my dictionary! The key point is that he probably looks down on us! This banquet is organized by him; the invitation was sent by him, and he hasn't even shown up yet!"

Old Lame angrily waved his umbrella: "We can't even see a single shadow from the Construction Group or the Seventh Ring!"

Just as he finished speaking, someone pushed open the grand, old door of the banquet hall and hurried in, exclaiming, "There's trouble!"

He spoke urgently: "Ten minutes ago, thousands from the Seventh Ring Construction Group crossed the river, along with hundreds of airborne police vehicles!"

"Good!" Old Lame jumped up in anger: "What does he want? A war? Then let's give him one right now—"

Before he could finish, another figure walked in from outside.

This newcomer was a burly man wearing a half-mask, exuding a heavy aura of menace. His footsteps boomed as he walked across the floor.

"Seventh Ring, Li Dongyun," he announced.

"Li Dongyun?" Old Lame fixed his gaze on him. "You've switched sides rather quickly. Are you representing the Construction Group?"

The oppressive energy made it hard for Li Dongyun to breathe. Although he was half a step into the sage level, he wasn't truly a sage yet, and even if he were, he wouldn't necessarily match up to Old Lame—there was a vast difference between them.

In truth, if it weren't for the mysterious aura surrounding Li Dongyun, he wouldn't even have the standing to talk directly to Old Lame and the others.

Li Dongyun stepped into the banquet hall but did not take a seat. Instead, he smiled and said, "I am indeed here on behalf of the Construction Group. More accurately, I represent the Seventh Ring."

"And where is your new master?" Old Lame sneered. "What, afraid to show up? I'll give you ten minutes to get all your people back across the river, or it will mean war!"

As he spoke, a bloodthirsty light flickered in his eyes, and he rubbed his hands together, dropping a heavy bombshell: "I've heard that Great City has given up on the Seventh and Eighth Rings. If we unite, we might just be able to conquer the Seventh Ring."

The banquet hall erupted into chaos. Great City had abandoned the Seventh Ring? Just like it had previously abandoned the Ninth Ring?

The crowd didn't panic or feel lost; instead, they became excited! The abandonment of the Seventh Ring meant no support from Great City, no oversight from the Secret Adjustment Division, which translated to more territory, more women, and richer resources!

"Is this news true?!" someone shouted, clearly thrilled.

"It can basically be confirmed as true." Big Black stood up to back this information, and the large hall buzzed with excitement, many people rolling up their sleeves!

"Perhaps we really can go after him!" someone boldly proposed, temporarily ignoring Li Dongyun as they reveled in the prospect of a bright future.

"Ahem." Li Dongyun coughed twice: "Everyone, I'm still here."

All eyes turned toward him, and Old Lame settled back into his seat, sneering: "You? You're not qualified. Have your new master come. He hasn't shown up yet; does he dare to?"

Li Dongyun blinked in confusion and replied, "Isn't he right here?"

A sudden silence enveloped the banquet hall, everyone exchanging glances.

He's here??

Aunt Li furrowed her brow: "Li Dongyun, don't say such meaningless things. Go back and tell your new master that whatever he wants to do, he should come out and talk to us. Hiding and lurking is simply—"

"Li Aunt," a gentle voice interrupted her.

Startled, Aunt Li turned to see Chen Xiang standing up with a smile: "I forgot to tell you, I am the new master of the Seventh Ring."

The banquet hall fell into silence. Yuan Wanli started to cough violently, desperately signaling to Chen Xiang and even reaching out to tug at his sleeve.

Teacher Chen was incredibly capable, but in such a situation, in front of these big shots...

Aunt Li's eyelids twitched as she broke the silence: "Little Chen, now is not the time for jokes."

Before she could finish, she noticed Li Dongyun moving closer and slightly bowing to the young man clad in a wolf-skin cloak.

"My lord, everything has been arranged, just awaiting your orders."

Chen Xiang nodded leisurely, looking around at the three figures from the Ninth Ring, each showing a different expression: "I'm sure everyone is very confused and startled. The main reason I called you all here is for negotiations."

"Furthermore, I feel it's necessary to clarify something: I am not the new master of the Seventh Ring."

He scanned the room, placing his hands on the table, speaking gently: "I am the new master of the Outer Three Rings, or rather, I will be."

"I've finished speaking; who agrees, who disagrees?"

The banquet hall fell silent, leaving only the sounds of breathing, heartbeats, and the flickering of candle flames.