The bustling streets of Sacred Lotus City greeted him with their familiar chatter. Market stalls lined the roads, offering everything from exotic herbs and rare artifacts to delicious street food.
Shen Yuan meandered through the streets, stopping occasionally to observe a particular item or vendor.
He purchased a pouch of fragrant tea leaves from a merchant he vaguely recognized from his last visit and casually went to check up on a winery he remembered.
[Yuan’er, are you going to buy out the entire market here like you did in the outer sect?]
Yue Lan asked in a teasing tone.
“Haha, of course not, I have better things to do now,” he said while tasting a different wine.
After an hour of exploring, Shen Yuan made his way toward a quieter part of the city.
The vibrant markets and bustling crowds gradually gave way to serene courtyards and well-maintained residences.
He stopped in front of a particular courtyard. Its gates bore a modest insignia of two crossed swords over a shield—a mark of a mercenary association.
Shen Yuan smiled faintly as he pushed the gates open, the creak of the hinges echoing in the quiet surroundings.
… Enjoy new tales from empire
The courtyard was simple yet orderly. Training dummies and sparring areas occupied one side, while a modest residence stood at the back. The air was filled with the faint scent of metal and leather.
A woman stood near a training dummy, her movements precise and fluid as she practiced with a pair of short swords.
Her dark hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and her leather armor bore faint scuff marks from frequent use. Her expression screamed of her extreme focus as she practiced her martial arts.
“Still as sharp as ever, Lian Fang,” Shen Yuan called out, leaning casually against the gatepost.
Lian Fang froze mid-strike, her sharp eyes snapping to him. A mixture of surprise and recognition flickered across her face before she straightened, sheathing her blades. She approached with a respectful bow.
“Young Master Yuan,” she greeted, her voice respectful but carrying a hint of warmth. “It’s been some time. I wasn’t expecting to see you here so soon.”
Shen Yuan stepped forward, his smirk softening into a more gentle expression. “I thought it was time to check in on my favorite mercenary. How have things been?”
Lian Fang gestured for him to sit at a shaded table near the residence. “Quiet, mostly. The mission you told me to do was done quite a while ago, but as you had instructed, I was waiting for you here and training.”
Shen Yuan sat lazily, his soft gaze looking over her. “Good. Strength is the only currency that truly matters in our world. But leaving that aside, tell me what you found out.”
Lian Fang took a deep breath. “As you instructed, I’ve found the base of the Silver Fox Sect, as well as details about their powerhouses, assets, and establishments in the surrounding cities.”
Shen Yuan listened attentively, his expression calm, though his flickering gaze betrayed his deep interest in Lian Fang’s report.
“The Silver Fox Sect has a single ancestor at the 4th level of the Dao Core Forming Realm, who rarely shows herself,” Lian Fang began, her tone professional and respectful. “She’s reclusive but exerts her influence to keep the sect’s authority intact.
“The Sect Leader and Grand Elder are both at the 1st level of the Dao Core Forming Realm. They oversee most of the sect’s day-to-day operations and major decisions. Their strength is indisputable in the sect, but neither has made notable breakthroughs in recent years.”
Shen Yuan nodded slightly. “And the Core Elders?”
“There are nine Core Elders, all at the peak of the Extreme Origin Core Realm,” she continued. “They are the backbone of the sect’s operations, managing its branches and resources. Additionally, there are numerous lower-level elders, disciples, and affiliated cultivators. Their numbers are significant but not overwhelming compared to larger sects.”
“And their reach outside the sect’s base?” Shen Yuan leaned forward, his voice calm.
Lian Fang pulled out a rolled-up map from her spatial ring, spreading it out on the table. “They have strongholds and establishments in several key cities near the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect. These include:
-Moonlit River City: A trading hub where they control a significant portion of the alchemy and artifact trade.
-Cloud Shadow Town: A smaller outpost focused on resource gathering, particularly spiritual herbs and ores.
-Jade Serpent City: Their most fortified location outside the sect’s main base. It serves as a front for their sect and houses a training ground for their elites.”
She paused, pointing to marked areas on the map. “These establishments are well-defended, with their core members frequently rotating between them. However, their influence doesn’t extend into the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect’s territory.”
Shen Yuan’s eyes flickered with a cold light as he studied the map. “Their reach is strategic and quite fortified. With proper planning, their assets could be dismantled piece by piece.”
Lian Fang nodded in agreement. “The key is isolating their forces. Their strength lies in their ability to mobilize quickly. If their communication and supply lines are severed, they’ll struggle to respond.”
Shen Yuan tapped the map thoughtfully. “And their financial assets? Do they rely heavily on trade from these outposts?”
“Exactly,” Lian Fang replied. “Their wealth is tied to their businesses in Moonlit River City and Jade Serpent City. Disrupting these would cripple their operations.”
Shen Yuan leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ve done well, Lian Fang. This information will be useful when I annex the Silver Fox Sect.”
Lian Fang bowed deeply. “It’s an honor to serve, Young Master Yuan. When the time comes, my blade will be at your command.”
Shen Yuan nodded and thought aloud, “Now, should I attack the base of their sect head-on or think about a reason?”
Lian Fang raised an eyebrow, wondering, ‘Does Young Master want to use the forces of his sect to annex the Silver Fox Sect?’
Without letting her thoughts interfere, she replied, “Attacking them head-on won’t be an issue as they are not aligned with the righteous sects and are basically an assassin organization.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking. I doubt anyone will point fingers at me even if they find out about it.” Shen Yuan nodded his head.
“Alright, that’s what we will do. Prepare yourself. We will leave immediately for the Silver Fox Sect base,” Shen Yuan said while standing up.
Lian Fang’s eyes widened in surprise. “Huh? Right now? To their base? Without any preparation? Are you sure about this?”
Shen Yuan smirked. “Of course. It’s about time I check up on my new strength. Go and prepare for now.”
Lian Fang struggled for a moment before gritting her teeth and nodding her head. “Very well, Young Master. I will follow you to the base of the Silver Fox Sect.”
As Lian Fang left to prepare for the journey ahead, Shen Yuan leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the table as he thought about his plan for the Silver Fox Sect.
[Yuan’er, there’s someone you’ve been neglecting recently,] Yue Lan’s playful voice broke the silence.
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow. “What is it this time, Lan’er?”