Chapter 65: You’re Missing The Bigger Picture!
The younger disciples stared in awe, hanging on his every word.
"So, Big Brother," one of them asked hesitantly, "Are you saying this little beast came from the Howling Wilds Continent? But... what's it doing here in the Mystic Evergreen Forest?"
"Good question," the leader replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's likely this beast was captured by one of those Hunter Families during one of their expeditions. Somehow, it must have escaped and ended up here. These forests are vast and wild—it's the perfect place to hide."
He paused, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "It could very well be one of the Major Hunter Families near our Supreme Dao Sect—perhaps the Shou Family from Ninzhou County in the Zhenou Kingdom. They're infamous for their unsavory dealings, known far and wide for trafficking in slave beasts, demi-humans, and even humans."
Another disciple frowned, his voice laced with unease. "But Big Brother, if this beast truly is a direct descendant of one of the Supreme Rulers or the Imperial Family of the Howling Wilds Continent, won't they have means to track it? What if they discover it's here, within the territory of the Supreme Dao Sect? Couldn't that ignite a war?"
The leader smacked the back of the young man's head, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Fool. Do you think those Hunter Families operate without precautions? They're seasoned professionals. When they capture beasts of this caliber, they take meticulous steps to erase any trace of their involvement."
He crossed his arms, his voice firm but measured. "And even if the Imperial Family discovered what happened, do you really think they'd rush into a war against another continent? The Supreme Dao Sect is one of the paramount overlords of the Sleeping Dragon Continent, standing as equals in power to an Imperial Family of the Howling Wilds Continent."
He paused, his gaze piercing, as if to emphasize the weight of his words. "No one would dare to recklessly ignite a conflict between two continental overlord powerhouses. The chaos would only invite opportunistic forces to exploit the turmoil. Such matters are never handled impulsively."
He continued, his tone deliberate and authoritative. "Instead of resorting to outright war, they would turn to diplomacy, appealing to the overlord sects and grand academies of other continents. With promises of staggering rewards and unparalleled resources, they would seek alliances and cooperation. This is the way of true power—the art of negotiation, not reckless confrontation."
The group seemed somewhat reassured, though another disciple hesitantly voiced a new concern. "But Big Brother, wouldn't it be safer to hand the beast over to the sect? Surely, they'd reward us far more generously than Young Master Niu ever could."
The leader's expression darkened, and he shook his head firmly. "You're missing the bigger picture. If we hand it over to the sect, the higher-ups will take control. They'll handle the negotiations, rake in an astonishing fortune for returning the beast, and leave us with nothing more than a little amount of Sect Contribution Points and a pat on the back for our troubles."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But if we offer it to Young Master Niu—a man with genuine influence in the capital of Zhenou Kingdom—everything changes. He hails from a Major Family, one with power that stretches far beyond what we could imagine."
The leader leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur, every word steeped in calculated intent. "And have you heard the rumors?" he asked, his tone deliberate and commanding their full attention. "They say the one backing Young Master Niu is none other than the Second Prince of the Zhenou Kingdom himself."
The words hung heavy in the air, electrifying the group. The disciples exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from mild exhaustion to eager anticipation as the leader continued.
"With a connection like that," he said, his lips curling into a sly smile, "Young Master Niu's favor isn't just about rewards—it's about security and power. If we hand this beast to him, we're not just earning gratitude. We're securing our place within his household. Positions of influence, protection under his name, and—if we play our cards right—a pathway to true status beyond this sect's rigid hierarchy."
He straightened, his eyes gleaming with cunning. "The sect might see us as expendable, just pawns in their grand schemes. But Young Master Niu? He values loyalty. He remembers those who serve him well. And his rewards... they far surpass a few measly Sect Points or the empty gesture of a pat on the back."
The disciples hung on his every word, their ambitions ignited by the vision he painted. One of them broke into a wide grin, his voice brimming with admiration. "Big Brother, you're brilliant! You've thought of everything!"
The leader smirked, rubbing his nose with mock humility. "Of course," he said, his tone oozing confidence. "That's why I'm the one leading this mission. Now stop wasting time. That beast is out there, and it's our golden ticket. Keep your eyes sharp. Our good days are just around the corner."
The disciples nodded eagerly, their fatigue forgotten as they quickened their pace. Each of them dreamed of the rewards to come, their imaginations painting a picture of wealth and status.
But as they charged ahead, a storm was quietly brewing, one they were entirely unprepared for.