Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1230: Using one tiger to devour another

Pagyi Gesang realized that Zhang Yi was the kind of person who insisted on seeing the rabbit before letting go of the hawk.

Deceiving an Epsilon was something nobody risked lightly.

Thus, in this very spot, he shared with Zhang Yi the latest developments across the Snowy Plateau Region.

During the early days of the Apocalypse, the Pagyi Family stood as the foremost among the four major families.

The Pagyi Family commanded the strongest authority, maintained the largest force of personal guards, and enjoyed the broadest sway over the Snowy Plateau's inhabitants.

Yet everything shifted once the Yasha Langtai Family gave rise to a Lord of the Charnel Ground.

The present Lord of the Charnel Ground hails from a side branch within the Yasha Langtai Family.

Upon gaining enlightenment from the Buddha's radiance atop the Sacred Mountain, he surged forward to claim a formidable status at the Epsilon rank.

This unparalleled might swiftly compelled the whole Snowy Plateau Region, along with the superhuman factions in the Sichuan-Chongqing zone who were locked in mutual conflicts, to yield in deference.

Considering the sequence of events, at the moment the Lord of the Charnel Ground reached Epsilon, Zhang Yi remained at Cloud Villa Estate, locked in a cunning duel against the West Mountain Base forces.

Consequently, the Lord of the Charnel Ground, armed with his utterly dominant prowess, elevated the Yasha Langtai Family to the unchallenged sovereign of the entire Southwest Region.

When a single family gains such crushing supremacy, the equilibrium shatters.

The Yasha Langtai Family swiftly consolidated control, with family leader Deji even seizing the Khenpo role at Sangha Monastery.

In the Snowy Plateau Region, governance intertwines with faith, where the Khenpo of Sangha Monastery embodies the spiritual head of the esoteric sect.

Today, the Yasha Langtai Family wields unchallenged dominance, capable of decreeing commands under the guise of divine and Buddhist will.

With a solemn look, Pagyi Gesang declared, "To borrow an ancient Han proverb, the Yasha Langtai Family's intentions are as obvious as 'Sima Zhao's heart—clear to every onlooker.'"

"Over these past two years, our remaining three families have seen their influence swiftly stripped away. Wiping us out is merely a question of timing."

"Should they lay hands on the Demon Kingdom's hoard beneath the Great Snow Mountain, our doom would be sealed."

"That's why I journeyed here this time—though they schemed to exile me, I'm seizing the chance to link up with mighty partners."

Having heard Pagyi Gesang's account, Zhang Yi found himself nodding in agreement.

Wherever humans gather, rivalries inevitably arise—that's an undeniable fact.

"I'd like to pose a couple of questions to you."

Zhang Yi stated evenly.

Pagyi Gesang responded promptly, "By all means, ask away."

Zhang Yi continued, "First off, supposing the Yasha Langtai Family truly harbors an Epsilon powerhouse, then dispatching your families would be a mere afterthought."

"From what I gather, given its unique status, the Southwest Region lacks the clearance to deploy the Death Reaper of Love."

"In that case, that Epsilon stands as an unbeatable force across the globe."

"So how have you all managed to persist without harm?"

Pagyi Gesang heaved a heavy sigh.

"It's quite a tale. Though the Lord of the Charnel Ground is tied to the Yasha Langtai Family, every such Lord in history has held the most untainted spirit and deepest Buddhist devotion."

"They refrain from slaying the blameless and serve as guardians of the Dharma for the Snowy Plateau folk."

"Hence, Deji can't sway the Lord of the Charnel Ground to crush our three families without a valid pretext."

"Yet, given the Lord of the Charnel Ground's extreme purity, Deji might one day lead him astray. Mr. Chaos, you can't imagine how we live in constant dread, each day on the brink, terrified that come morning, the Yasha Langtai Family's troops will surround our homes."

This detail sparked intense curiosity in Zhang Yi.

A truly pure soul?

Just how immaculate could he be?

"My second query: Why select me?"

Zhang Yi voiced his primary concern.

"Merely seeking external aid, the Shengjing Region would surely be the prime option."

"Their might alone could overwhelm the Southwest Region with ease."

Pagyi Gesang chuckled and denied it with a shake of his head.

"In a dire pinch, that could be my fallback."

He gestured toward the outside, "See, I've arrived with a substantial entourage this round. My convoy's size isn't meant to parade riches."

Dawning comprehension gleamed in Zhang Yi's gaze.

"You're planning to seek shelter here?"

Pagyi Gesang affirmed with a reluctant nod.

"That's part of it. I must relocate some of my holdings beforehand. If staying in the Snowy Plateau Region turns impossible, I'll request sanctuary from Shengjing."

"Yet I won't drag the Shengjing Region into the Southwest's internal feuds."

"For involving that colossal entity in our local battles would utterly demolish our ancient legacy spanning a millennium."

Zhang Yi grasped this reasoning fully.

The Shengjing Region remains the official overlord of the Huaxu Kingdom.

Should they uncover the Great Snow Mountain's mystery, intervention would be inevitable.

After all, Shengjing has reaped ample rewards from the Qinling Mountains; they recognize the value of unearthing a hidden underground realm.

Then, Shengjing would simply annex the Great Snow Mountain outright.

Though Southwest forces might snag a sliver of the spoils, it would be a meager fraction.

Everything subterranean pertains to the whole Huaxu Kingdom; the Western leaders hold no claim to it.

Granting them a tiny cut would already count as generous mercy.

Pagyi Gesang added, "The same principle applies to appealing to other key regions. Clashes between such giants spawn endless complications, with outcomes hard to predict."

While speaking, he fixed Zhang Yi with an intense, hopeful stare.

"But you, sir, stand apart. Though linked to the Jiangnan Region, I know you operate independently, unbound by their central command."

"You're a lone operator, akin to a hired gun."

"So, as a freelance ally, you step in to aid me—this keeps the fallout to a minimum!"

That was Pagyi Gesang's strategy, laid bare.

Zhang Yi now saw the reason: upon reaching Shengjing, Pagyi Gesang had shown him exceptional warmth.

Especially his gaze, brimming as if he'd unearthed a priceless gem.

Zhang Yi offered a subtle smile.

"Are you so certain? Suppose I claim it all, leaving you empty-handed?"

Pagyi Gesang replied with assured poise:

"Your pursuits aren't dominion, territory, or followers. I've delved into your background; I know this well."

"Anything beyond that, I won't mind. Even if you claim the Great Snow Mountain's trove, my losses would be tolerable."

"I might miss out myself, but preventing the Yasha Langtai Family from obtaining it suffices."

Pagyi Gesang was no stranger to the risks of 'inviting a wolf indoors.'

But with a prowling tiger already eyeing him from within his domain, options were scarce.

Exile from the Southwest and live as a wanderer.

Or ally with a strong backer and roll the dice.

Failure's repercussions couldn't surpass the present peril.

Zhang Yi pondered silently. He conceded the allure was real.

If a hidden domain like the Qinling Mountains or Mist Valley truly lay under the Great Snow Mountain, it promised an immense windfall for him.

Furthermore, if King Gesar quelled the Demon Kingdom's forces over two millennia past.

This could mean the realm's threats paled compared to those in the Qinling Mountains and Mist Valley.

Author's Note