CHAPTER 749: Struggle For Power

Fort Lasberg was the largest fort controlled by the House of Lavers. It was one-seventh the size of the City of Shadows. The mountains surrounding the fort were rich in natural resources, with several small-scale energy ore mines. It was the largest foothold the House of Lavers had outside the City of Shadows.

Clearly, this Fort Lasberg was much more valuable than the territories that Andre had given to the smaller clans of the family. Apart from the fact that it was quite far from the City of Shadows, the fort had no real disadvantages. It was no wonder that the patriarchs of the smaller clans did not agree with the decision to give Lasberg Fort to Han Shuo.

As for the Laver residence in the City of Shadows, it was the first place Han Shuo visited when he came to the city. Every building there was tall and reached through the clouds. It covered a huge area and had every facility imaginable. Energy towers and boundaries covered the entire area. It even housed more than a few gymnasiums.

In the City of Shadows, where every inch of land costs an absurd amount of Black Crystal Coins, a residence of this size would be worth an even more absurd amount of Crystal Coins. Even the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy, where Han Shuo currently resides, cannot compare in size to the residence. Normally, it would be impossible to acquire the mansion without paying at least a few million Black Crystal Coins.

Lasberg Fortress and the City Mansion were the two biggest assets the Laver House had left behind. Now that these two juiciest assets had been handed over to the House of Han for nothing, it would be a wonder if the Patriarchs said anything about it!

Han Shuo had also not expected Andre and Wallace to be so generous to him, to shower him with so much wealth so suddenly. He couldn't quite understand why they were giving him Fort Lasberg and the former Laver's Residence.

Andre and Wallace did nothing while the patriarchs of the smaller clans bickered. But after a while, when he saw that they showed no signs of settling down, Wallace cleared his throat slightly and said in a deep voice, "Bryan has done a great service to the City of Shadows by locating the largest Godhunter base we have ever known, allowing us to deal a serious blow to the Godhunters. Mirage City and Hushveil City know about it. Besides, the House of Han is just getting started. It is not unreasonable to give them a head start."

Now that Wallace had spoken his mind, no matter how reluctantly, the patriarchs of the smaller family clans could only keep their mouths shut. Their glances towards Han Shuo were filled with jealousy.

"Don't be angry, the House of Han will not take the residence and Lasberg Fortress for nothing," Andre said to the crowd before turning to Han Shuo and smilingly demanding, "Bryan, you shall pay one million black crystal coins for these assets!"

"No problem!" Han Shuo agreed with a big bright smile. One million black crystal coins will never be enough to buy both Fort Lasberg and the Grand Residence. This was especially true for Fort Lasberg, which was basically a city many times the size of Profound Continent. For Han Shuo, the value of the fort was simply immeasurable.

Moreover, with the cash cow that was the Celestial Pearl, Han Shuo had no shortage of crystal coins. Candide, Emily, Phoebe, Ayermike Cotton and the others were all capable of managing and running a city. Han Shuo couldn't even begin to imagine how much Fort Lasberg would benefit him under their management.

"I will pay five million Black Crystal Coins if the fort and residence are given to me!" a patriarch of a smaller family clan said resentfully.

"The debate is over and the case is settled. I will hear no more of it!" Wallace knitted his brows and declared in a commanding voice. All the patriarchs shut their mouths tightly.

"Ahem," Andre cleared his throat slightly to get everyone's attention. He smiled faintly and said, "Alright, let's move on to the next topic. My elder brother wishes to fill the vacant position of Chief of the Fifth Corps. Each of you can nominate capable candidates for my elder brother to consider.

As soon as Andre uttered these words, the patriarchs of the three major family clans, who had not shown a trace of emotion all this time, suddenly had bright lights shining out of their eyes. They sat up straight and seemed to take it very seriously.

For the three of them, being the head of the Divine Guard was power. Compared to the shops, houses and fortresses that could bring them crystal coins, they valued the position that could bring them privileges and military power. Their family clans lacked neither fortresses nor shops. All those things Andre gave them were mere specks of gold dust on their crates of treasures.

To be one of the leaders of the City of Shadows' Divine Guard was to gain the right to build and own an elite army of Divine Guards. To them, commanding the Divine Guards was to wield true power.

Although all the great family clans in the City of Shadows had the right to recruit their own Divine Guardians, they were limited to a small number. The House of Sainte had enforced this strict quota to prevent other family clans from surpassing them in the quality and quantity of Divine Guardians they possessed.

On Elysium, wealth, identity and status were gained through the strength of one's family clan. The most direct measure of a clan's strength was its military might - the quantity and quality of its Divine Guards. A family clan with two Divine Guard chiefs would be an untouchable powerhouse. Therefore, as soon as the patriarchs of the three major family clans heard Andre say 'Chief of the Fifth Corps', their eyes lit up with desire and greed.

The eyes of the patriarchs of the smaller family clans also shone brightly. Obviously, they too understood that with enough military power, getting all those shops and houses would only be a matter of time. The only thing that distinguished the House of Sainte, the House of Kinson, the House of Lavers, the House of Kisa and the House of Buller from all these smaller family clans was that the founders controlled the military agencies of the city.

The House of Sainte had managed to stay so far ahead of all the other family clans because, apart from the fact that the Divine Guards were powerful in their family clan, the top three Divine Guard chiefs were under the House of Sainte!

For the three major family clans, the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps meant a leap forward, becoming the most powerful family clan after the House of Sainte. For the smaller family clans, the position meant that they could become one of the top family clans in the city!

The crowd, all vying for the position, immediately became excited when they heard that Wallace wanted someone to fill the seat.

"Lord Andre, if I remember correctly, the condition for the position is to exchange it for Avery's head, right?" a patriarch of a smaller family clan asked confusedly.

"Avery has been missing for too long. The Fifth Corps cannot be left unchecked forever, and someone will have to take his place, at least until someone takes his head," Andre replied.

These people had been coveting Avery's position for a long time. They began to whisper in each other's ears, discussing the vacancy. Even the patriarchs of the three main family clans couldn't keep their poker faces and began to whisper excitedly to their clansmen.

Wallace cleared his throat and announced in a deep voice, "It is a great responsibility to be Chief of the Fifth Corps. The duty requires great strength and capacity. Fellow Lords, name your candidates."

As soon as Wallace finished his words, the crowd began to name people by the truckload. It was as if a floodgate had been opened.

After a moment of observation, Han Shuo realised that these people would only nominate members of their family clan. They showed great interest and determination to win the nomination.

The hall became noisy as various characters were nominated. No party wanted to give an inch, so the situation became a stalemate.

When Wallace saw that the noise of the discussion was getting louder and louder and the list of nominees was getting longer and longer, he showed his impatience and said in a deep voice, "The head of the Fifth Corps is a great duty. The candidates named must be at least a Highgod!"

Wallace's words meant that several smaller family clans were eliminated from the race. Most of them had nominated Midgods, as it was very rare for small family clans to have Highgods, even though most of their patriarchs were highgods. The smaller clans began to nominate their respective patriarchs for the position.

Han Shuo quickly counted and learned that a total of nine candidates had been nominated.

"I think Bryan could do the job well. He had demonstrated his capability and strength in raiding the godhunters the last time. He is qualified to be a candidate!" Andre name Han Shuo as a candidate the instance the congregation paused making noises.

The patriarchs of the three major family clans raised an eyebrow and their eyes started to flicker while the patriarchs of the smaller family clans immediately turned silent. The hall turned noiseless in all of a sudden.

Andre is the second-in-command in the House of Sainte. If he said so, then doesn't that mean the House of Sainte is standing behind Bryan? Could this also be the wishes of Wallace? The crowd thought of this possibility and therefore turned silent.

Han Shuo had long known that Andre and Wallace intended to give him the Fifth Corps. However, he feigned surprise at Andre's words and said modestly, "You flatter me, Lord Andre!" He showed no inclination or aversion to the position.

"Bryan seems suitable," Wallace said suddenly, breaking the long silence.

The patriarchs of the smaller clans felt a tug at their hearts when they heard these words from Wallace. However, they did not show their feelings on their faces, nor did they voice their opinions.

Although the patriarchs of the three major family clans were not close to Han Shuo, some members of their family clans were because of his Celestial's Pearl Pharmacy. If it were any other ordinary post, the three of them might just go with the flow and let Han Shuo have it. However, the Chief of the Fifth Corps was no ordinary post. Even if they had good relations with Celestial Pearl, there was no way they would just give in.

The patriarchs of the three family clans remained silent, but their eyes flickered indecisively. Although they did not say a word, they had clearly shown their disagreement.

Wallace was clearly paying attention to the three main patriarchs. Seeing that they weren't going to say a word, he took the initiative and asked for their opinion: "What do you think of Bryan?"

The three exchanged glances. After a moment's hesitation, Kinloch of the House of Kisa replied, "Bryan is rather young and not too familiar with the situation around the City of Shadows. He's just formed a family clan and hasn't really proven himself yet. Isn't taking over the Fifth Corps too big a leap?"

After Kinloch, the other two patriarchs nodded, saying that Bryan was great but still lacked experience. There was no way the three of them were going to give up such an important post without a fight.

"Ah, I see," Wallace muttered. Then he turned to the patriarchs of the smaller clans and asked, "What do you think?"

Naturally, they all agreed with Kinloch's view.

Seeing that the majority in the room were against the idea, Wallace couldn't come out clearly in favour of Han Shuo's appointment. He remained silent for a moment before suddenly suggesting, "Alright, how about this, let's forget about Avery. There is this thorny problem I am currently dealing with. I have received Intel that a huge energy crystal deposit has been discovered near Fort Lasberg. The deposit isn't on the border of any city, and various forces are gathering there. I have also sent some men there, but have not heard from them yet, which means they are probably dead. Whoever can locate the energy crystal deposit, establish our city's presence and take control of the deposit for our city will be the new head of the Fifth Corps. Fair enough?"

None of the crowd disagreed. The patriarchs of the three major family clans were the first to nod their heads.

Their family clans had stood proudly in the City of Shadows for countless years and had an advantage over other family clans in many ways. This challenge was a competition for resources. Obviously, they felt that they had an enormous advantage, so they were quick to accept the challenge. Those of the smaller clans, seeing that the three had agreed, knew that the matter was essentially decided and that their opposition would be futile. Therefore, they too nodded and agreed.

"Very well. Then it is decided!" declared Wallace. "I will send men to observe. I hope you will not use the manpower of your family clan, especially you great ones. Each competitor may bring a maximum of ten men. And apart from the competitor himself, there can be no highgods in the party. Anyone who breaks these rules will be disqualified!

The three Patriarchs pursed their lips as they listened to Wallace's list of conditions, but they said nothing. They believed that the divine guards of their own family clans were the true elite. Even if they could only bring a force of ten, they could still use the tremendous power of their family clans to scout before they left.

"A final reminder: killing those on our side is strictly forbidden. Should you violate this rule, you know the consequences!" Wallace then gestured and announced, "That's all for today. You are all dismissed!"

The crowd rose from their seats, saluted Wallace and Andre and left the hall.

Just as Han Shuo was about to leave, Andre cleared his throat slightly and said, "Bryan, we need to discuss the payment of one million black crystal coins!"

Han Shuo nodded smilingly. He knew that Andre would have something for him.

The Patriarchs who were leaving knew that Han Shuo had deep ties to the House of Sainte. They cursed and grumbled in silence, but no one dared say anything.

The hall was soon evacuated. Wallace stood up, nodded at Han Shuo and said with a faint smile, "Although I have a mind to let you take over the Fifth Corps, the resistance is just too great. Therefore, in the end, getting the position still depends on your own ability!" After a short pause, Wallace walked over and patted Han Shuo's shoulder in a very friendly manner. He continued, "Work hard, the City of Shadows will reward you well!" Wallace then nodded to Andre and left.

After Wallace was gone, Andre smiled faintly and said, "My elder brother believes that only those who have survived fierce competition should rise to the top. Your performance in the recent Godhunter raid earned you Fort Lasberg and the Lavers residence. Whether or not you can take over the Fifth Corps will depend on your efforts and abilities!"

"Lord Andre, you didn't ask me to stay just to tell me this, did you?" Han Shuo said smiling.

"Haha, correct, indeed!" Andre laughed out loud before telling Han Shuo, "Erebus is currently at Fort Lasberg. I asked him to look into this matter a long time ago. Go there and talk to Erebus. I believe he will tell you the latest information he has gathered!"

Nothing is ever really fair in this world. Andre was clearly helping Han Shuo, giving him an unfair advantage by giving him a clue to follow. Considering the fact that Han Shuo had saved Erebus' life earlier, he would definitely share all the information he had gathered with Han Shuo without the slightest hesitation. If Han Shuo asked, he might even lend Han Shuo his elite troops in the Third Corps.

"I knew Lord Andre would have gifts for me if he asked me to stay!" Han Shuo said with a laugh.

"Very well. We, the House of Saint, are fortunate that you have come to the City of Shadows. Since the Goddess of Destiny has such a great impression of you, perhaps our House of Sainte would benefit from being associated with you sometime in the future!" Andre said jokingly. He then patted Han Shuo's shoulder and said in a friendly manner, "You know, that one million black crystal coins is to stuff the mouths of some in my Sainte family. I believe Phoebe can take care of that for you," after a short pause, Andre praised, "Youngster, you really are a lucky man. Your Phoebe is really good at running a business. I believe Fort Lasberg will do well under the management of your family clan!"

"Okay, I know what to do next!" Han Shuo replied with a smile and left the Sainte Residence.

Over the years, Phoebe had always delivered Carmelita's share of Celestial Pearl's profits on time. As the Celestial Pearl grew more prosperous with each passing day under her management, Carmelita's dividend grew larger and larger. This made the Sainte family very happy. They even began to admire Han Shuo for his ability to recognise talent.

Upon his return to Celestial Pearl, Han Shuo gathered everyone together and told them the good news.

They were all incredibly excited to learn that the House of Han had been officially established in the City of Shadows. Phoebe, Emily, Fanny, Lisa, Jasper and a long list of ladies were eager to move into the luxurious residential complex.

"Go ahead," Han Shuo delegated the relocation task to them. He then instructed Phoebe: "Withdraw one million black crystal coins and deliver them to the House of Sainte. Then he pointed at Sanguis, Bolland and Gilbert and said, "Three of you, come with me!"