"I was worried I was asking for too much, but I hadn't expected you to think I was asking for too little."

"That's brotherhood."

"If she's willing."

Tang Fei looked toward An Ning with some surprise and asked, "Do you have confidence?"

The Flame Shrine was a scattered yet united organization with no strict organizational discipline; it was solely grouped together for mutual benefit.

Initially established to band together for warmth, it later grew powerful and began to bully men and women alike, exerting jurisdictional authority.

Normally, there was killing and fighting within the Flame Shrine for power and profit, but, once an external enemy invaded, they could rapidly organize and jointly defend against the enemy.

No one should even think about touching our fruits.

Therefore, when An Ning said she wanted to hand over the Flame Shrine to herself, Tang Fei was somewhat surprised.

Even shocked.

How did a young girl accomplish this in just a few years?

An Ning looked at Tang Fei and said, "I know, with the people you brought from New Star, you could forcibly control Lingyang District."

"Even use Lingyang District as a starting point to infiltrate and spread to other districts. Whoever dares to resist, just kill them."

"But there is a downside to doing so... You can't win the people's hearts. The Flame Shrine is a loose organization, you attack, and they scatter in all directions. Dense forests, ravines, people can hide anywhere. You know this better than I do."

"Once you leave, they will gather again... With your manpower, managing one district in Hate Mountain is fine, but if you spread out to Lingyang District or wage war against the entire Flame Shrine... then it'll be difficult."

"Indeed." Tang Fei nodded and said, "In the past few days lying in bed, I've also thought about this issue. We can forcibly occupy Lingyang District or directly attack the Flame Shrine headquarters..."

"But after the occupation, how to govern is the biggest problem. We want the territory and we need people... Do you have any good suggestions?"

"First, we need to win people's hearts, something I have been doing these years. On the Old Land, who isn't sick?"

"I practice medicine and dispense drugs, heal illnesses and save lives, granting them health and life... Even if they don't understand gratitude, they won't easily offend a physician. Because they know very well that I can save their lives at critical moments."

"This is also why they elected me as the Holy Daughter... If I step forward and call for their support for you, it should have a certain effect. Of course, this also requires your cooperation."

"The second issue is to solve their problem of food and clothing. People need to eat, and why should they risk their lives for you if they can't eat their fill?"

"We need to not only solve their food and clothing problem but also let them eat better and dress warmer than before, to give them hope for the future."

"Of course, this is for those Grey Robes at the bottom. After all, eating is their most pressing concern."

"However, it's not easy to deal with the Black Robes and above... Even in times of chaos, these priests' standard of living is quite high. They eat meat and drink wine lavishly and enjoy the best of everything in a region... including women."

"So, if you want them to be willing to accept and support you, you need to offer something that truly moves them..."

Tang Fei shook his head and said, "These people can't be moved; just kill them."

Greed knows no bounds.

They live in chaos, but their lives are extremely comfortable.

Just like Bian Zhenxin, the Black Robe I and Phoenix killed before, and his White Robe father Bian Feng...

These people were high-ranking and powerful, without a care in the world, able to have anything they desired.

Hundreds or even thousands served them; calling them local emperors wouldn't be an exaggeration.

What can you give to satisfy their appetite?

You can't give enough.

So, the best way is to kill directly.

An Ning nodded and said, "Draw in a batch, kill another batch. This way, not only can we prevent the Shrine's organizational framework from collapsing, but we can also kill a chicken to warn the monkeys, preventing them from harboring any thoughts of rebellion."

Tang Fei looked at An Ning, smiling and asked, "So, we've decided so pleasantly?"

An Ning's clear and bright eyes smiled as well, her voice crisp like a nightingale's, "So pleasantly decided."

"That whole organizational structure, our futures decided by just a few words between the two of us?"

"It's their honor," An Ning said softly. "I know big brother needs manpower, a lot of people... Otherwise, taking over such a mess would just be a hassle for big brother."

Tang Fei looked at An Ning thoughtfully; the girl knew very little about the affairs on New Star, but she had started planning years ago, understanding their situation and what needed to be done as soon as they retreated back to the Old Land.

And then she did everything in her power to help.

"Thank you," Tang Fei said sincerely.

"Big brother, you don't need to say these words to me... I've said before, my life was saved by you, and I haven't properly thanked you yet."

"Alright, we won't talk about it anymore. We're family," Tang Fei said with a smile.

He looked at the black veil covering An Ning's face and asked, "Your face... If you're willing, I can help you remove the scars. The technology on New Star is very mature, and I also have some very good doctors by my side."

"Not necessary for now," An Ning declined, "This is the best camouflage."

"I understand. When things here are finished, I'll take you to New Star... I'll definitely find the best cosmetic surgeon for you."

"Great, then I can become pretty and beautiful. Mom would be so happy," An Ning said joyfully.

"Yes. Is Auntie doing well?"

"Very well. Since I joined the Flame Shrine, I no longer have to worry about food or clothing. Plus, I am a doctor who understands talismans... many minor illnesses are easily cured. She has also been taking the traditional Chinese medicines I've made for her, and she seems even younger than before."

"It's just that elderly people love to nag, she always talks about you and Little Fatty, and Master. She says you all are good people, and also blames me for not going with you to New Star in the beginning."

Remembering that kind and tenacious woman, Tang Fei's face also showed a happy smile, a woman who took care of him and Little Fatty as if they were her own sons.

Although he often helped her and her daughter with some food, she knew how to be grateful; she would mend their clothes and shoes, and keep both inside and outside of the house tidy.

Even though she didn't live with them, she existed like a semi-mistress of the house.

It is hard to leave one's native land, and old friends are hard to abandon.

"I'll find time to visit her."

"Great," An Ning nodded, "She has always refused to move away from Hate Mountain, saying that living there has become sentimental. Moreover, Wang Tianlong is in charge of the Shrine's Hate Mountain branch, with him around to look after her, no one dares to bully her."

"The days to come will only get better."

"Hmm, I believe in big brother."

Tang Fei smiled, not even sure if he could do it himself.

He just had to try his best.

Exert all his effort.

"You say that winning people's hearts requires my cooperation, how should I cooperate?"

"Big brother, I'm already prepared."

"Prepared?"

"Hmm." An Ning nodded, "Just wait... for a grand entrance."

"..."

------

Wang Sanguang was a junior priest of the Flame Shrine, mainly following around Society Leader Lei Zongnan to handle matters, waiting for dispatch.

As an official of third rank in front of the Prime Minister's door, since he directly served the Society Leader, he was considered a core member of the Society Leader's inner circle. Therefore, his status was much higher than that of others, and he was often invited to dine and drink.

Inside the solid, dark stone house, a dozen people were gathered around eating hot pot.

Dog meat hot pot, the big black dog Chen Taiping had just acquired today.

He thought that such a delicacy shouldn't be enjoyed alone, so he invited his team leader. The team leader, thinking he shouldn't keep it to himself either, went on to invite the squad leader, who then invited Wang Sanguang...

Everyone had someone they wanted to pay their respects to, and with such invitations, more than ten people showed up.

In the end, the large stove couldn't accommodate everyone, and Chen Taiping could only serve tea and water at the side, busying himself with serving others.

The person who caught the dog didn't even have the right to join the table.

Such has always been the case, from ancient times to the present.

It was the same in Old Land, and no different in New Star.

Even gods would crave the scent of dog meat.

The dog meat stew was tender and flavorful to the point that Wang Sanguang was enjoying it immensely, following it up with several hefty wooden barrels of liquor.

Liquor was a luxury item, but these middle-ranking members of the Flame Shrine weren't completely deprived of the chance to encounter it.

Even Lei Zongnan required a few glasses of wine before going to bed each night.

In every era, privileges and privileged institutions have always existed.

After having his fill of food and wine, Wang Sanguang, picking the dog meat out from between his teeth with his finger, squinting his eyes as he sized up Chen Dayou, said, "Dayou, this dog meat stew isn't bad."

"To satisfy Chief Wang is my honor," Chen Dayou responded with a sycophantic expression.

"Hmm, I'll remember this favor. I'll think of you when there's a good job in the future."

Chen Dayou was overjoyed. After serving for half the day, wasn't he already seeing a return?

He bowed slightly, with tears of gratitude, and said, "Thank you, Chief Wang, thank you, Chief Wang. You are my provider. Just say the word. If I, Chen Dayou, hesitate even a frown, then I am no son of my parents."

He knew all too well the value hidden in the phrase 'good job.'

Although the Flame Shrine gathered under the name of the Flame God, they had not refrained from acts of robbery and theft.

If a 'good job' came his way, Chen Dayou might also get his hands on some fine loot.

"Hmm, just wait."

After finishing, he jumped down from the pit, put on his boots, and walked outside.

"Chief Wang, let me escort you," Chen Dayou said with extreme obsequiousness.

Wang Sanguang led the way, with a crowd of people flanking him on both sides.

Suddenly, Wang Sanguang halted in his tracks.

As he stopped, the others stopped as well.

His expression twisted into a grimace, his eyes became glassy, as if afflicted by some strange malady, and his whole body began shaking.

Rocking back and forth, a copious amount of white foam started bubbling from his mouth.

Thump!

Wang Sanguang fell face-first to the ground.

"Chief Wang..."

"Officer Wang..."

"Someone come... quickly, fetch the Holy Daughter..."

------

After finishing his wine, Lei Zongnan was indulging in the pleasures of a young girl he had recently 'picked up' when someone suddenly banged loudly on his door.

Lei Zongnan was at the height of his pleasure, and his anger soared when he was interrupted in such a manner, the blood draining from below to his head.

"Who is it?" barked Lei Zongnan.

"Society Leader, something bad happened, something very bad..."

The voice of his lieutenant, Lei Hu, Lei Zongnan's own nephew, came from outside the room. Only this bold youngster would dare to disrupt him at such a time.

Lei Zongnan hurriedly 'sheathed his sword' and donned a large coat before going out, scolding, "What sort of serious matter? Has the sky fallen? Flustered and exasperated, what kind of behavior is that?"

"Society Leader, Wang Sanguang is dead."

"Wang Sanguang is dead? Who killed him?"

"He died of sickness."

"Died of sickness? What sickness? He was just here today... he didn't seem sick at all..."

"He just fell ill and died. They say he ate a black dog..."

"Ate a black dog? And it killed him just like that?"

"Yes, not just Wang Sanguang... but also Jiang Cai, Chen Feng, Zhao Xiaolei... they are all dead."

"All dead?" Lei Zongnan gasped in shock.

He then realized the severity of the situation.

"Yes, all dead..."

"You saw it with your own eyes?"

"With my own eyes..." Lei Hu nodded, as if afraid that Lei Zongnan wouldn't believe it, explaining, "I just came from their homes... I checked each one, confirmed they're all dead... then I rushed to report to you, Society Leader."

Slap!

Lei Zongnan, trembling with rage, slapped Lei Hu across the face, cursing loudly, "You've seen them... and you come running to me for what?"

"I'll kill you for being such an idiot... always causing more harm than good..."

"You're trying to get me killed... If it weren't for your dead dad's sake, I'd have you hacked to pieces..."

Lei Hu didn't understand what had happened and lay on the ground, screaming in agony.

"Uncle, I was wrong... I was wrong..."

"Uncle, stop hitting me, or you'll kill me."

"Uncle... what did I do wrong?"

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