Chapter 123: Achieving Cooperation

As he said this, Tang Ming’s eyes gleamed, and his entire demeanor changed.

There was nothing surprising about it; in the world of “One Below,” the Tang Clan was known for its unwavering loyalty.

The younger generation today had all heard of those events and naturally held a special affection for the island nation.

Tang Miaoxing and Zhang Wang exchanged a glance, both seemingly surprised by Tang Ming’s idea.

After a moment of thought, Tang Miaoxing spoke: “Younger Brother Qiushan is right—this matter ultimately requires the children’s effort; we should ask for their opinions.”

He turned to Tang Ming and said: “Xiao Ming, inform everyone and ask Xiao Long and the others for their thoughts. Give the Yinming Pavilion a firm reply by tomorrow morning.”

“Yes!”

…

…

On the other side, He Jingfeng led the three black-clad figures down the stairs.

Zhang Chulan and the others waiting on the first floor hurried forward to greet them.

“Chief He!”

“…”

He Jingfeng stopped and glanced at Zhang Chulan, murmuring: “Waiting for me here?”

Zhang Chulan smiled awkwardly, then whispered: “Chief He, for the sake of the company, could you give this junior a hint? What exactly is your purpose today?”

“To negotiate cooperation.”

He Jingfeng replied frankly.

Zhang Chulan’s lips twitched, hesitating whether to press further.

At that moment, He Jingfeng spoke again: “I know you came here for Golden Phoenix Granny—or more precisely, to ask her about certain events from the past…”

He actually knew?!

Zhang Chulan’s pupils contracted, barely suppressing his shock.

He Jingfeng smiled faintly and patted his shoulder: “Don’t bother. Golden Phoenix Granny doesn’t know much. I have someone better for you.”

“…”

Zhang Chulan froze, unable to help asking: “Who?”

He Jingfeng smiled: “You’ll know by tomorrow at the latest.”

With that, he stepped forward, passing Zhang Chulan with the three black-clad figures.

Lu Jia siblings and Feng Baobao quickly stepped aside, watching He Jingfeng walk away.

Lu Linglong whispered: “Zhang Chulan, what do we do now?”

“What else can we do…”

Zhang Chulan sighed deeply: “Wait a little longer.”

Time crept forward, second by second, in the waiting.

By evening, He Jingfeng finally received news from Tang Miaoxing.

Returning to the principal’s office, seven or eight unfamiliar faces now filled the room.

Among them were both youths in their twenties and thirties, and middle-aged men in their forties and fifties.

He Jingfeng raised an eyebrow, scanning their faces—he recognized none of them from earlier.

After a moment’s thought, he understood: these were all inner-disciples from the Tang Tomb.

According to He Jingfeng’s knowledge, the Tang Clan’s most prized technique was called “Dan Shi.”

It was an invisible, colorless, tasteless qi poison with extreme stealth and lethal power—a terrifying method comparable to the Eight Marvels.

Mastering Dan Shi was extremely difficult, yet the learning process was deceptively simple—only two possible outcomes:

Success upon entry, or death upon failure!

This was because Dan Shi cultivation tested total indifference to life.

Any lingering attachment or emotional obsession would cause failure—and death by the poison’s backlash.

Many Tang Clan techniques existed solely to prepare disciples for Dan Shi, yet even so, those who succeeded remained exceedingly rare.

Of course, “exceedingly rare” meant relative to the entire Tang Clan.

Decades ago, when the Tang Clan still engaged in assassinations, each generation produced at least a few who mastered Dan Shi.

But now, a new era had arrived—peace unlike any before—and Tang Clan disciples lacked battlefield experience; no one could inherit Dan Shi anymore.

According to Tang Clan rules, only those who mastered Dan Shi were eligible to inherit the position of Clan Leader.

Tang Miaoxing, the current leader, was the sole exception—a thorn in his heart, and the reason he had long sent inner-disciples into the Tang Tomb, hoping they would inherit Dan Shi.

But so far, not a single inner-disciple from the old, middle, or young generations had succeeded.

Many veteran inner-disciples and core pillars had even died because of it…

Zhang Wang was deeply resentful of Tang Miaoxing because of this.

He had long wanted to recall the inner-disciples from the Tang Tomb, but had never succeeded.

Until today, when He Jingfeng arrived with the opportunity for “overseas training,” Tang Miaoxing finally changed his mind and recalled the inner-disciples from the Tang Tomb.

“It seems your clan has made its decision!”

He Jingfeng sat down with a smile, glancing at Tang Miaoxing and his seven or eight disciples, feigning curiosity: “Where are your two junior brothers? Shouldn’t they be involved in something this important?”

“My junior brothers and I have already discussed it privately.”

Tang Miaoxing said softly: “Your offer and opportunity are precisely what the Tang Clan needs most. We are willing to cooperate with you, providing our personnel to the Yinming Pavilion.”

As he spoke, he turned over the papers on his desk and pushed them toward He Jingfeng.

“Here is the first list of recruits.”

He Jingfeng took the list and scanned down the names.

Tang Yao, Tang Yu, Tang Mian, Tang Wu, Tang Hong, Tang Fulu…

“All are inner-disciples with the Tang surname?”

“Correct.”

Tang Miaoxing said solemnly: “I guarantee these are the finest disciples of the Tang Clan. If you harbor doubts, you may randomly verify any of them—they are right here…”

At these words, the seven or eight inner-disciples stepped forward, expressionless, awaiting inspection.

Seeing this, He Jingfeng and the livestream audience immediately understood Tang Miaoxing’s intent.

【Xiang Yunye: No wonder Tang Qiushan and Zhang Wang aren’t here!】

【Xiang Yunye: If I’m not mistaken, this old man secretly recalled the Tang Tomb disciples and met with Old He behind their backs, trying to get the deed done before they could object…】

【Fan Xian: That’s definitely it!】

【Fan Xian: This afternoon, Tang Ming was still asking outer-disciples for opinions; tonight, the cooperation list contains only inner-disciples’ names.】

【Fan Xian: If there’s no trick here, I won’t believe it!】

【He Jingfeng: So what should I reply?】

【Lin Yu: Accept it!】

【Lin Yu: The inner-outer conflict within the Tang Clan is their own affair—it has nothing to do with the Yinming Pavilion.】

【He Jingfeng: Fine!】

After replying, He Jingfeng looked up and smiled: “No need.”

“Since the Clan Leader vouches for them, I’ll accept the entire list.”

“As agreed, these inner-disciples will become seconded assassins of the Yinming Pavilion, entitled to Qingyu-level benefits.”

“The handover details will be handled by a designated representative two days from now. As for the Seven Shadow Seats I promised, I stand ready to welcome the Clan Leader at any time—do you have any interest?”

Tang Miaoxing replied calmly: “Let me consider it.”

He Jingfeng nodded: “Of course.”

He rose and extended his hand.

“Then… cooperation?”

Tang Miaoxing shook his head softly: “Don’t rush, Chief He. I must admit your terms are excellent—but these are not what the Tang Clan truly desires.”

“If possible, I would sacrifice all material benefits for one thing alone: help one person see the light of day again.”

He Jingfeng raised an eyebrow and sat back down.

“Who?”

“Use the Yinming Pavilion’s influence to restore someone’s freedom.”

He Jingfeng paused, then smiled faintly: “Clan Leader, may I ask—does this person’s surname begin with Xu or Zhao?”

“…”

Tang Miaoxing’s pupils contracted. Slowly, he said: “You… knew?”

He Jingfeng chuckled: “Just a guess. Among the Thirty-Six Rebels who swore brotherhood with Wu Gensheng, two were from the Tang Clan. You used such a grave phrase as ‘restore to the light’—it must be connected to them.”

Tang Miaoxing sighed deeply: “Since you’ve guessed it, I’ll no longer hide it.”

“Correct. Of the two who swore the oath, Dong Chang is dead—but Xu Xin is still alive, and he is inside the Tang Tomb.”

Moreover, Xu Xin is currently the only person in the Tang Clan who has mastered Dan Shi.

According to the original plot, Tang Miaoxing wished to restore Xu Xin’s freedom because he intended to challenge Dan Shi himself—and upon failure, pass the Clan Leader position to Xu Xin, the only one qualified.

Thinking of this, He Jingfeng couldn’t help but smile.

“I see. Rest assured, the Yinming Pavilion will speak on your behalf in the outside world—but whether it succeeds depends on the company and other sects.”

Tang Miaoxing whispered: “That will suffice. I am deeply grateful.”

He Jingfeng smiled: “Actually, speaking of the company, there’s a perfect opportunity right now!”

Tang Miaoxing frowned: “You mean… Zhang Chulan?”

He Jing stood up and said: “This kid has extraordinary fortune and knows how to get things done. If you truly want Xu Xin to see the light again, why not let the two of them meet?”

“Don’t be fooled by his low rank—he has considerable influence, even able to speak his mind before Zhao Dong.”

Moreover, he’s one of the company’s own—certain matters are easier to discuss with him than with the Yinming Pavilion…

Tang Miaoxing nodded thoughtfully, then stood up and took He Jing’s hand.

“I’ll consider it.”

“Then let’s have a fruitful partnership!”

“Mm, fruitful partnership.”

As the two shook hands, the principal’s office door suddenly burst open.

Zhang Wang entered with several outer-disciple students, and seeing the two men shaking hands, his fury flared—he stormed into the principal’s office.

“Shhh—”

Two iron prongs instantly appeared, blocking Zhang Wang and his men.

Zhang Wang paused, then suppressed his anger and bowed to He Jing.

“Don’t be disrespectful to Elder Zhang!” He Jing glanced at the two black-robed men, then smiled: “The deal is done. What remains is now your sect’s own affair!”

“I take my leave.”

With that, he turned and walked toward the corridor outside.

The two black-robed men lowered their iron prongs and followed him out of the principal’s office.

(End of Chapter)