"Alright!"

Zhou Dingguo did not hesitate to nod in agreement to Jiang Chen's request, and the group proceeded down the mountain.

As they walked, Jiang Chen glanced at Supreme Phoenix Luan supporting Zhou Wanchen and quietly asked Supreme Long Huang next to him, "Supreme Long Huang, what's going on here?"

Supreme Long Huang looked toward Supreme Phoenix Luan and Zhou Wanchen, then sighed softly, "A sorrowful fate born of an outdated mindset."

As they descended the mountain, Jiang Chen began to learn about the long-standing affections between Zhou Wanchen and Supreme Phoenix Luan.

In the past, Supreme Phoenix Luan and Zhou Wanchen were a pair of lovers who seemed destined for each other. However, a century ago, when the Flame Dragon Kingdom was established, Supreme Phoenix Luan followed her master and joined the Flame Dragon Group. This action angered the Zhou Family's then-Head and the elders of the family.

The Zhou Family, once the ruling family, held resentment toward all ruling families. After the establishment of the Flame Dragon Kingdom, their hatred shifted to the Flame Dragon Group.

Thus, Supreme Phoenix Luan, who was the fiancée of the Zhou Family's heir, joining the Flame Dragon Group was something the Zhou Family could not accept.

After the initial chaos, Supreme Phoenix Luan went to the Zhou Family alone to explain.

However, no one from the Zhou Family was willing to listen to her, and Zhou Wanchen personally closed the gates of the family manor.

Supreme Phoenix Luan stood outside the Zhou Family's manor gates for three days and three nights before leaving in despair.

That departure lasted an entire century.

Though they hadn't seen each other for a century, Supreme Phoenix Luan still held the bond she shared with Zhou Wanchen in her heart. Zhou Wanchen, too, never forgot her. Even after adhering to the family's orders and marrying another, he frequently sought updates about Supreme Phoenix Luan through their mutual friend, Supreme Long Huang.

Likewise, Supreme Phoenix Luan often asked Supreme Long Huang for news about Zhou Wanchen.

This time, upon hearing of the Zhou Family's plight and their need for Flame Dragon Group's support, Supreme Phoenix Luan could no longer suppress her emotions and followed along. These two lovers, who had been thinking about each other for a century, were finally reunited.

After hearing about Zhou Wanchen and Supreme Phoenix Luan's history, Jiang Chen fell into deep reflection.

The Huangluo Clan is like this, and so is the Zhou Family. Back then, one escaped the chaos, while the other lost resources; both still hold deep animosity toward the Flame Dragon Group. So what about other factions?

Though the Five Great Families along the northern river currently cooperate with the Flame Dragon Group to varying degrees, largely due to Jiang Chen's involvement, what happens if the older-generation forces emerge from their secluded retreats in the sects of Jiangbei and the families along the northern river? Will they accept the Flame Dragon Group?

Through Ancestor Yue and others, Jiang Chen had already confirmed the existence of these elder forces. While he couldn't determine their current numbers, their existence was indisputable.

The Shadow Clan has been planning something, even if they don't fully understand their endgame. Could it be that these slumbering elder forces are also waiting for the same pivotal moment?

If that moment arrives, and all these families and factions harbor hostility or outright animosity toward the Flame Dragon Group, what then?

The thought left Jiang Chen feeling overwhelmed.

Sighing softly, he pushed the troubling thoughts to the back of his mind. For now, it was more pressing to disrupt the conspiracies of the three major organizations.

"What's wrong?"

Supreme Long Huang noticed the unease in Jiang Chen's expression and asked in a low voice.

Jiang Chen glanced at Supreme Long Huang and shared his concerns.

Supreme Long Huang remained silent for a moment before offering a bitter smile. "There's no solution."

Jiang Chen shot him a glare and said no more!

Central villa meeting room of the Zhou Family.

Most of the senior figures had retired to rest, leaving representatives from various factions to partake in the discussions.

Jiang Chen, Yan Hu, Spirit You, Pu Liang, Jun Lin, Yue Shaoting, Yue Taizhong, Zhou Dingguo, Zhou Liecheng, Elder Qing, and Supreme Long Huang gathered in the meeting room.

"... That's the current situation. Except for the Northwest region, most other areas are already under our control. Pharmaceutical production is on track. Therefore, I would like to ask Mr. Zhou for assistance in restructuring the Northwest area!"

Jiang Chen explained his speculations and precautions concerning the Gene Organization, softly proposing his idea.

"Of course! The Zhou Family will spare no effort!"

Zhou Dingguo declared resolutely, "Mr. Jiang, give me one week. Although the Zhou Family has suffered immense losses in this disaster, the losses were mainly on the martial front. Commercially, we've only lost the Huang Family's influence. Our control over the Northwest remains intact."

Zhou Dingguo pledged without hesitation, "In one week, all medical-related companies, import-export trade businesses, and underground trade channels in the Northwest will be ready for Mr. Jiang to take over. Uncle Pu Liang is correct—such a significant matter definitely requires unified leadership, and there's no one more fitting for that role than Mr. Jiang."

"Alright! Mr. Zhou, I won't stand on ceremony then!"

Jiang Chen nodded, "Next, I will implement a series of plans for the Northwest, integrating it into our broader network. The Zhou Family's cooperation will be essential during this time!"

"Not a problem!" Zhou Dingguo agreed without hesitation once more.

"There's one more matter. Regarding Youming Hall, I'd like to ask the Zhou Family to be vigilant. We cannot act yet, but to prevent them from rallying the martial forces of the Northwest, the Zhou Family needs to take preemptive measures."

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Chen spoke softly, "Given this calamity faced by the Zhou Family, I intend for the Zhou Family to aggressively absorb affiliated clans, using a strategy of external leniency paired with internal scrutiny. This will help identify and control other factions, determining whether they've been infiltrated by the three major organizations or have pledged allegiance to Youming Hall. When the time comes for us to act against Youming Hall, we'll eliminate those factions who have sided with the three organizations in one fell swoop."

"Alright!"

Zhou Dingguo nodded again, his eyes gleaming with cold determination. "If I discover which factions dared to side with the three major organizations, when the time comes, I'll leave it to Mr. Jiang to hand those factions over to the Zhou Family. I guarantee they will learn that being traitors will bring consequences they'll regret for lifetimes to come."

"Alright!"

Jiang Chen nodded slightly. The group discussed a few more details before eventually disbanding to rest.

Ring-ring-ring!

Just as Jiang Chen returned to his room, the sound of his phone ringing broke the silence.

Pulling out his phone, Jiang Chen glanced at the display and connected the call, his tone knowing, "Hello, Scar. The Ge'er Family's competition is about to begin, isn't it?"

"That's right, Dragon King—no, Mr. Jiang, it starts next Monday. We're planning to leave for Y Country today. Do you have time?"

Scar Ge'er Yan's voice came through the receiver, apprehensive yet filled with anticipation.

"Scar, rest assured!"

Jiang Chen understood Ge'er Yan's emotions and smiled slightly, "I've promised you, so even if I don't have time, I will make time."

"Thank you, Mr. Jiang!" Ge'er Yan replied excitedly.

Jiang Chen paused before asking, "By the way, do you know the specifics of the competition?"

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