Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 881 - 474: Rupture

"After all, the Molan Mansion is my domain. Exercising my authority here is within reason, so resolving minor issues shouldn't be difficult."

The underlying meaning was unmistakable.

Everyone gathered in the hall was as cunning as a fox and grasped the message immediately.

"Dark Moon is aware of several rare demon beasts that are in no way inferior to the Winged Dragon Beast. Would you consider that a suitable alternative?"

Chen Xuan’s expression darkened instantly upon hearing this suggestion.

This outcome confirmed that the information regarding the Winged Dragon Beast would not be surrendered to him voluntarily.

If that was the situation...

"In that case, everyone, please see yourselves out!"

He delivered these words with biting coldness, dismissing them without another moment's hesitation.

Jiang Qi’s countenance shifted abruptly, as did Jiang Yudao’s. Only the Second Elder remained composed, his heart undisturbed by the sudden tension.

"So, you believe there is no further room for negotiation?"

The Second Elder rose slowly, an oppressive aura radiating from his body as he locked his icy gaze upon Chen Xuan.

"Whether we continue this discussion is entirely at Dark Moon’s discretion, not mine."

"Furthermore..."

"Boom!"

An equally formidable aura erupted from Chen Xuan, "This is my Prince Xuan’s Mansion. Is Dark Moon plotting against me? Are you orchestrating a rebellion?"

Chen Xuan’s voice thundered throughout the chambers of the Prince Xuan’s Mansion.

The audacity of these men, daring to issue threats within the walls of his own manor.

"Fine, very well..."

The Second Elder chuckled coldly; he managed to restrain his volatile temper, though his rage was clearly mounting.

Rebellion?

That was a label neither he nor the entirety of Dark Moon could afford to endure.

"I hope you do not live to regret this decision!"

The Second Elder leveled a menacing glare at him, the threat hanging heavy in the air.

"My regrets are my own business. However, as long as I remain the prince of this manor, Dark Moon can forget about ever conducting business within Molan Mansion again."

With their facades torn away, there was no longer a need for concealment.

Everything was officially out in the open.

"The Winged Dragon Beast is something I will obtain. If you refuse to relinquish it, then nobody shall have an easy time of it!"

"Fine!"

"We shall wait and see how this plays out."

The negotiations collapsed, and the trio departed from Prince Xuan’s Mansion, simmering with indignation.

Chen Xuan remained in the hall, intrigued by the unique nature of the Winged Dragon Beast; Dark Moon clearly valued its secrecy enough to risk offering other premium beasts instead.

"Heh heh!"

"You refuse to talk, do you? If one Molan Mansion isn't enough to pressure you, I suppose I shall have to involve another mansion."

Given his close connection with Gu Yun, securing the cooperation of Jiuyue Mansion should be straightforward.

...

Jiang Qi and his associates returned to the stronghold of Dark Moon.

"Transmit this order immediately and have our contacts in the Imperial City prepare for action."

The Second Elder’s face was grim with frustration.

A mere prince of a single mansion, currently only at the fifth level of the Dao Realm, dared to act with such insolence.

In that case, they need not bother with further courtesies.

His only lingering concern was the Three Judicial Departments.

Zhan Tian... that ancient monster was virtually impenetrable.

Dark Moon had long attempted to recruit him, but not only did they fail, their envoy was returned severely beaten.

He was a completely lawless individual.

"I shall have to address this matter in person."

After careful consideration, Jiang Yudao concluded that his personal intervention was required.

"Hmm... very well."

The Second Elder nodded, turning his attention to Jiang Qi. "There isn't a single trace left from our previous arrangement with Hidden Kill, is there?"

"None at all!"

Jiang Qi replied immediately. "As always, no transactions with Hidden Kill were documented locally; only the records at the headquarters remain."

He had personally overseen the final transaction with the Hidden Kill Sword Sect, so he was entirely certain of his claim.

"Then we are safe. Proceed to the Imperial City at once and resolve this quickly; many are beginning to mock Dark Moon."

The seizure of all Dark Moon assets in Molan Mansion had caused significantly more damage than anticipated.

For years, many had coveted their position, and if the situation soured further, the repercussions could be catastrophic.

...

Inside the study.

"You want me to authorize the seizure of all Dark Moon operations?"

Gu Yun was visibly stunned by the request.

Taking such an action was practically equivalent to declaring full-scale war against Dark Moon.

It was a massive, ancient entity that had persisted on the Eastern Continent for hundreds of thousands of years, with depth of power that was impossible to fathom.

"Indeed. Consider this as me owing you a substantial favor."

"Furthermore, you may inform the Three Judicial Departments of Jiuyue Mansion that should they face difficulties in the burial grounds, I am prepared to offer my protection."

Chen Xuan’s greatest leverage lay in the secrets of the burial grounds.

Anyone venturing into those depths would find it impossible to refuse such an offer.

With his own combat prowess and that of Qin Ying, ensuring someone’s survival would be trivial.

"Very well, I shall attempt it, though I can provide no guarantees. You realize the Three Judicial Departments must be the ones to execute such a seizure, correct?"

"I leave the trouble to you, Brother Gu."

He was well aware of that, as the Three Judicial Departments were the sole authorities responsible for maintaining order within a mansion.

"There is no need for formality; we are, after all, family. Gu Xiang’s successful breakthrough to the Path-Breaking Realm was only made possible through your intervention."

"Hehe!"

"Brother Gu, since we are family, there is no need for such gratitude between us."

"Hahaha..."

The pair laughed in unison, their rapport growing stronger.

...

Three days later, Jiang Yudao finally reached the Imperial City.

In quick succession, he visited several influential families and quietly met with various key ministers of the Great Yu dynasty.

The results, however, were discouraging.

While none explicitly turned him down, their guarded expressions suggested that the task—especially involving the Three Judicial Departments—was fraught with danger.

Not long ago, the combined pressure from the Three Judicial Departments, the Ritual Department, and the Shadow Guard had left these figures more compliant than ever. They no longer dared to entertain conflicting agendas.

"Look at the Shen Family still acting high and mighty!"

Jiang Yudao felt a surge of disdain as he walked the streets.

These hypocrites never hesitated to accept gifts, yet when it came time to act, they retreated into the shadows.

Half an hour later.

Jiang Yudao stood before the facade of the Shen Mansion, his eyes tracing the bold, calligraphic characters of the nameplate.

The rows of guards stood with severe, imposing expressions, discouraging anyone from approaching.

Ignoring the tension, Jiang Yudao strolled up to the lead guard. "Jiang Yudao of Dark Moon requests an audience with Shen Tong."