Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8570 8570: The arrangement _1

Zhao Wuji didn't hesitate for even a second, nodding immediately as he spoke: "Certainly. I was quite concerned when news reached me that other sects were targeting you, but observing you now, you appear to be thriving. Very well, an Information Network, you say? I will lend my name to the enterprise. But tread carefully; if trouble arises, even I might be unable to shield you."

Zhao Hai flashed a grin and noted, "Do not worry. I merely wish to establish a few shops under your reputation. Under normal circumstances, no one will be any the wiser. I am simply gathering intelligence and trading. I have already arranged for half of the proceeds from these shops to go directly to you. Brother Zhao, please do not decline. If I fail to provide you with a share of the profits, it will only invite suspicion."

Upon listening to Zhao Hai’s logic, Zhao Wuji pondered for a moment before nodding, "Alright, then I shall not stand on ceremony. It is fine for you to provide the profits. Should you require any resources, simply inform me and I will procure them for you. We are brothers, yet I cannot merely take your wealth for nothing, can I?"

"It is entirely fine, big brother Zhao. Just accept it. If you can acquire additional resources and advance to an Island Lord level expert, would that not be of even greater service to us? Do not concern yourself; we have no need for those specific supplies, so you should keep them."

With Zhao Hai’s insistence, Zhao Wuji ceased his protests. He picked up his wine cup, toasted Zhao Hai, and downed the contents in one go, effectively sealing the agreement. Zhao Hai watched him and smiled, "Big brother, since you remain on the Deathsworn Island, your movements are restricted. Perhaps we ought to wait until you depart from the Deathsworn Island before we officially launch these shops. What are your thoughts?"

Zhao Wuji nodded in agreement, "That makes sense. It is indeed inconvenient to operate while stationed on the Deathsworn Island. It is decided. As soon as I depart the Deathsworn Island, I will alert you. You may proceed then." Zhao Hai nodded. Both men conversed and finished their drinks, after which Zhao Wuji returned to the Deathsworn Island.

Once Zhao Wuji had departed, Zhao Hai prepared to pay a visit to Yu Qing. Compared to Zhao Wuji, Zhao Hai prioritized Yu Qing slightly more, as there had been no previous association between them. Were someone to discover that Yu Qing had established an independent information network, it would raise fewer eyebrows than if he were linked to Zhao Wuji, whose existing friendship with Zhao Hai was widely known. Caution was paramount in this endeavor.

Yu Qing had been unusually tranquil lately, having observed that the ripples from the Tang family skirmish appeared to have settled. Although the Yin Yang Sect continued their inquiries, the focus of their investigation seemed to have veered away, no longer fixated on the Ghost Shadow group, which provided him with a sense of relief.

The past few days had been filled with anxiety for Yu Qing. His greatest fear remained the exposure of his true allegiances. If he were unmasked, he was certain the vengeful Yin Yang Sect would never show him mercy. It was unclear if the Yin Ghost Sect would even bother to intervene. Even if they protected him nominally, they might resort to cold political maneuvers to hand him over to satisfy the Yin Yang Sect. Being a sect of the shadows, they prioritized utility far above the welfare of an individual Island Lord.

As Yu Qing sat in his chamber, he contemplated his predicament. His island was teeming with disciples, yet those he truly trusted were few and far between. Most had been selected from Ghost Bone Island and would ultimately answer to Gu Ming; furthermore, these disciples likely served the role of his overseers.

Beyond those individuals, the only disciples Yu Qing possessed were those raised by his own trusted servants. Their loyalty was beyond reproach, yet their numbers were far too small. While he could command any disciple on the island, there were sensitive tasks that he dared not entrust to the rank-and-file. Delegating clandestine affairs to such individuals would only invite unnecessary disaster.

Just then, a voice resonated through the room: "It seems your current situation isn't bringing you much joy!" The voice remained calm and detached. While the words carried a teasing edge, the stable tone made the mockery feel unsettling.

Yu Qing instantly recognized the source. Turning, he spotted a figure cloaked in black lingering in the shadows. He muttered in a sour mood, "How could I be happy? Previously, the Yin Yang Sect kept me under constant surveillance, yet you made no contact. Furthermore, although my island is full of disciples, I cannot trust any of them. Those fellows are nothing more than jailers. How could I possibly be satisfied?"

Zhao Hai observed Yu Qing and spoke with composure, "If you remain anxious, we can arrange for some of our own people to occupy your island. You can bestow upon them the status of disciples. This will provide you with operatives you can actually rely upon for your tasks." Zhao Hai was merely gauging whether Yu Qing would entertain the notion.

Yu Qing was taken aback by the proposal. Truth be told, there was a significant reason he spoke so candidly with Zhao Hai: he realized his interests were now inextricably tied to Zhao Hai’s success, perhaps even more so than with the dark sects he nominally served.

Although the Yin Ghost Sect had been his benefactors, they were ruthless entities. If he were to perish, they would show no concern. It had become clear that Gu Ming was only utilizing him as a pawn. From Yu Qing’s perspective, his standing within the Yin Ghost Sect was nowhere near the influence wielded by Zhao Hai; hence, he felt a deeper affinity for his current companions.

"It is perfectly fine if you decline. Truthfully, I hadn't firmly committed to stationing people here regardless," Zhao Hai remarked in a deep voice. Observing Yu Qing’s silence, he pressed on. He genuinely had no intention of sending agents to monitor Yu Qing; it would serve no tactical purpose, as low-level cultivators could hardly oversee an Island Lord. He had merely raised it as a test.

Upon clarifying this, Yu Qing quickly pivoted, "No, by all means, arrange for people to come. I can grant them a position and offer them special protection. You should make the arrangements now. I can easily pass them off as my servants; nobody will grow suspicious. After all, my master is aware of my background as a disciple of the Yu family. Introducing a few retainers should be perfectly acceptable."

Zhao Hai nodded, "We can address the details later. I have come today to communicate another matter. The Yin Yang Sect’s previous surveillance highlighted gaps in our intelligence system. Therefore, I wish to establish an Intelligence Agency within the Blood Sea Realm, branded under your name. What is your opinion?"

Yu Qing paused, pondering before responding, "That sounds feasible, but I have a question. Have you placed some sort of restriction upon me?" This curiosity had long plagued him. Despite not believing Zhao Hai’s earlier dismissals, he wanted to see if honesty would prevail.

Zhao Hai looked him directly in the eyes and said, "Indeed. This restriction will not hinder your function, nor will it be perceptible to any outside observer. You need not fear. Provided you do not betray us, we will never activate it. On the contrary, we will provide you with benefits, just like this intelligence network. You will receive 50% of the profits from the shops we establish. If you require assistance or have a specific problem to solve in the future, we will do our utmost to support you. The only condition is your continued cooperation on our tasks."

Yu Qing’s eyes brightened. He understood the nature of Zhao Hai and his cohorts perfectly well. The formidable Tang family was obliterated by them; with such backing, there was almost no obstacle he could not overcome. The potential benefits far outweighed the risks.

After a brief moment of silent reflection, Yu Qing spoke, "Is there a methodology for me to assert control over the disciples currently on the island? They are sect members, likely here to watch me. Can I dominate their wills without the sect catching on?"

Zhao Hai regarded him thoughtfully, "Yes, I can impart a secret art to you. It will reduce these men to your thralls without external detection. However, if a master were to use extreme mental scrutiny, it could be exposed. Do you still wish to proceed?"

Yu Qing debated for a moment, ultimately shaking his head. "Better to abandon that idea; let’s not invite unnecessary risk. If I were exposed, they would surely eradicate me. We can revisit that later. For now, definitely send those people to my island. I am desperate for reliable men." He was quite right; he needed operatives he could trust for tasks that had to remain hidden from both Gu Ming and the rest of the sect.

With the confirmation that the restriction was real, Yu Qing had completely resigned himself to following their lead. He knew that as long as that spiritual tether remained, escape was impossible. Given that his own strength was dwarfed by the power that had dismantled the Tang family, resistance was suicide. If they wished for his death, it would take but a moment. Consequently, he had fully abandoned any thoughts of defection.

It was precisely this realization that pushed Yu Qing to integrate Zhao Hai’s people into his inner circle. While his current actions might objectively harm the Yin Ghost Sect, they secured the safety and interests of the Ghost Shadow group, ensuring his own survival in the process.