xymnovel Chapter 133 Numerous Masters Emerge
Chapter 133 Numerous Masters Emerge
Chen Ping took out a token from his pocket and presented it with both hands:
"This is the General Commander of Tingfeng Tower. With this command, one can mobilize all the Tingfeng Tower's hidden agents in the Northern Territory, totaling 327 locations and more than 7,800 people. I am willing to use this command as collateral."
Lin Chen took the token, its surface smooth and warm to the touch. The front was engraved with the words "Listening to the Wind," while the back featured a map of the northern border marked with countless red dots.
"Three hundred and twenty-seven hidden stakes..." Lin Chen looked at Ye Qingying, "Sixth Sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Ye Qingying took the token, examined it carefully, and then probed it with her divine sense for a moment before nodding.
"The token is genuine, and it has special internal restrictions. It should be an item passed down from Tingfeng Tower."
Lin Chen then looked at Chen Ping: "Manager Chen, I'll take the token."
From today onwards, Tingfenglou will be incorporated into the Bad Guys system and will be directly under the command of Ye Qingying.
You yourself will temporarily serve as the deputy head, assisting the Sixth Madam in handling intelligence from the Northern Border. Do you have any objections?
Chen Ping was overjoyed and bowed, saying, "Chen Ping greets my lord!"
"Get up." Lin Chen waved his hand. "Now that we're on the same side, let me ask you: just how powerful is the Cui family in the Northern Territory?"
Chen Ping stood up and said in a deep voice, "Reporting to my lord, the Cui family has been operating in the northern border for a hundred years and is deeply rooted."
On the surface, they control 60% of the mines, 40% of the grain stores, and 30% of the escort agencies in the three northern states.
Secretly, they also supported three gangs of bandits and two assassin organizations.
Even... within the Northern Army, there are quite a few generals who are former protégés or subordinates of the Cui family.
"Do they have people in the Northern Army?" Lin Chen's eyes turned cold.
"Yes." Chen Ping nodded. "After the old Duke died in battle three years ago, the military power in the northern border changed hands several times."
The Cui family took the opportunity to plant many people in their ranks. Now, of the 200,000 border troops in the north, at least 50,000 are under the influence of the Cui family.
Among them, three deputy generals and seven brigade commanders were all direct subordinates of the Cui family.
Zhuge Liang interjected, "My lord, this is a major threat. If the Cui family truly holds power in the northern army, internal strife may ensue once war breaks out."
Lin Chen pondered for a moment, then asked, "Chen Ping, who is in charge of the Cui family in the Northern Territory?"
"It's Cui Yuanhao, the second master of the Cui family," Chen Ping said.
"This person is a mid-stage Grandmaster, extremely cunning, and ruthless."
He has been stationed in the northern border for ten years, making the Cui family's power as solid as an ironclad fortress.
"Cui Yuanhao..." Lin Chen memorized the name. "Where does he live in the Northern Border?"
"The northern capital is 'Dingbei City,' and the Cui residence is located in the east of the city, covering a hundred acres and heavily guarded." Chen Ping paused.
"In addition, Cui Yuanhao has four retainers by his side, all of whom are Grandmasters."
One of them was said to be a disciple of a top-ranked expert on the Heavenly Ranking, whose strength was unfathomable.
Lin Chen laughed: "Interesting. Perfect timing, we're on our way to Dingbei City to take up our new post, let's meet this Second Master Cui on the way."
He looked at Zhuge Liang: "Mr. Kongming, what do you think?"
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan: "My lord, I believe that matters concerning the Cui family should be handled more slowly rather than hastily."
The situation in the North is complex, and the Cui family has been entrenched there for many years; a single move could have far-reaching consequences.
"It would be better to first use the power of Tingfeng Tower to ascertain their strength, and then proceed cautiously after the main army arrives at Dingbei City."
"Taking things slowly is too slow," Lin Chen shook his head. "But taking action directly is also reckless. Here's what we'll do: Chen Ping, when you get back, do three things for me."
"My lord, please give your orders."
"First, find out the list, positions, and incriminating evidence against all the Cui family's spies in the Northern Army."
Lin Chen held up one finger. "Second, find out the details of the mines, grain stores, and escort agencies controlled by the Cui family, including their accounts, personnel, and security forces."
"Third," he paused, a cold glint in his eyes,
"Investigate the ambush three years ago. We cannot let go of anyone involved or suspected in the Northern region, not even the slightest suspicion."
Chen Ping's heart skipped a beat, and he bowed, saying, "Your subordinate obeys!"
"Go ahead, but be careful not to alert them." Lin Chen waved his hand.
Chen Ping bowed again and stepped out of the carriage.
Zhuge Liang watched his retreating figure and smiled, "My lord, this man is a talented individual; he can be employed."
"It works, but we need to observe it further." Lin Chen lay back down, resting his head on Qin Shuyan's lap.
"Sixth Sister-in-law, after Tingfeng Tower is merged into the company, you'll have to work hard and thoroughly investigate their hidden agents."
Keep what should be kept, clear out what should be cleared out, and don't let anyone mix in the sand.
Ye Qingying nodded: "Understood."
Xiao Yulou suddenly said, "Eighth Brother, if we walk so slowly, won't the Cui family become suspicious?"
"That's exactly what we want to arouse his suspicion," Lin Chen said with a smile.
"The less anxious I am, the less he can figure out what I'm up to. If he can't figure it out, he'll panic. And when he panics, he's more likely to make mistakes."
Just then, a loud bang suddenly came from outside the carriage—
"boom!!!"
This was followed by the sounds of clashing weapons, screams, and angry shouts.
Lin Chen frowned: "What's going on?"
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Zhao Zilong stood there holding his spear, speaking in a deep voice:
"My lord, an assassin has launched a surprise attack, and the target appears to be Chen Ping."
How many people?
"More than thirty people, all dressed in black and masked, with cultivation levels ranging from early Grandmaster to mid-Grandmaster," Zhao Zilong said. "The Eight Vajras have already gone to intercept them."
Lin Chen sat up, and his divine sense instantly spread out, covering the entire camp.
Thirty miles away, thirty-three dark figures were engaged in a fierce battle with the Eight Vajra Warriors.
The men in black used strange techniques and coordinated perfectly, subtly forming a battle formation that trapped the Eight Vajras within it.
Further away, a faint presence lurked in the clouds, coldly watching what lay below.
Celestial Realm!
A hint of amusement flashed in Lin Chen's eyes: "Finally, a decent fish has arrived."
He looked at Zhuge Liang: "Mr. Kongming, do you think this assassin was sent by the Cui family or by Wanyan Honglie?"
Zhuge Liang smiled and said:
"Liang believes that both are true: the Cui family wanted to silence them, and Wanyan Honglie wanted to test them; they hit it off immediately."
"That makes sense." Lin Chen nodded and said to Zhao Zilong:
"Zilong, go and lend a hand. Make this quick and easy, but leave two alive. I want to question them."
"yes!"
Zhao Zilong strode out with his spear, transforming into a streak of silver light that shot into the battlefield.
Lin Chen then looked at Li Chunfeng:
"Mr. Li, would you please 'invite' that person from heaven down for a cup of tea?"
Li Chunfeng smiled and said, "If the lord has given an order, how dare I disobey?"
His figure flickered and disappeared.
Qin Shuyan asked with some worry, "Eighth Brother, will we be in danger?"
"Don't worry." Lin Chen hugged her.
"Mr. Li's array formations are profound; dealing with a Celestial Realm cultivator who is hiding his true nature is a piece of cake."
Besides, Mr. Li is still stationed at the camp.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Li Bai's voice entered the carriage:
"Don't count me in, I'm drinking, I don't have time."
Everyone smiled.