Chapter 285: Spies within

The Mad-lion were one of the most powerful factions within the eastern borders. Having two Qi emperors was quite a huge force. Even Li Meng felt nervous by the thought of facing an emperor. Although he had managed to connect with so many Heavenly laws and could hold his ground against peak Qi Kings, but Qi Emperors were far beyond his limit.

QI Emperors were practitioners who have managed to use their law energy to completely transform their body. The hallmark of becoming a Qi Emperor was to form the body of law, and every single move of theirs would have law energy imbued in there.

He wasn't even sure about being able to contend with the lowest of emperors with the base of advanced Qi King. Only when he reaches the peak of Qi King level would he be able to kill them.

Entering the hall of Mad-lions, he could find their key members waiting to greet the guests who have just arrived. The hall was too decorated for a meeting of truce, and Li meng couldn't help but feel suspicious.

The mad lions were trying too hard on this event, and this meet was getting suspicious by the second. Li Meng decided to play along and see how the events play out.

"I welcome everyone to the meeting halls of Mad-lions. Our leaders are not present at the moment because of a critical moment in their seclusion. I hope the leaders present wouldn't take offence."

Although disrespectful, not a single leader dared to make any kind of remark. A Qi Emperor was way beyond the level of everyone present and there were two within the Mad-lion stronghold. Being disrespectful is suicidal. The leaders present decided to bury their animosity.

"I will be presiding over the meeting by the authority granted to me by the two leaders." The vice-leader was a peak Qi King who was as powerful as the leaders present here, making him their equal. It just went on to show how powerful the Mad-lion were.

"I hope everyone present here had managed to learn about the newly formed coalition of city forces. A mysterious string of events seemed to have created a perception that one of the bandit groups within the eastern borders had killed top experts within their forces."

"Our spies within the city reported that the killing resembled the way our groups do things and hence the city leaders are more than convinced that it was one of us." Multiple voices sprang up in the halls. Every single group was talking among themselves trying to make sense of the situation.

"The city forces have already begun their march." The vice-leader reigned in the chaos. " Every single unit is headed by an advanced Qi King and they have already eliminated multiple bandit stronghold."

"The campaign this time has already surpassed any of the records. As time is passing the army is gaining momentum and it wouldn't be soon until anyone one of our forces is to face them."

"Every single group here is involved in a fight for power within the borders. They are isolating and conquering us one by one." 

"Why not attack them suddenly. All it would take is for us to strike a deathly blow and they would be done." One of the leaders spoke up.

"We shouldn't take such rash decision. Although the emperors wouldn't directly participate due to the fear that the emperors on our side would take action, they would help out, and might even try to sneak attack on the top echelon of various groups."

"But covert strike still sounds like the best option. They don't know the mountains like us, which provides us with the inherent benefit of terrain. We could strike when the iron is still hot." Another bandit leader supported the idea.

Bandits are ravenous people who are bloodthirsty. Patience and perseverance weren't some of the many qualities they possessed. 

"The information we have come to get our hands on reveals certain blanks within the whole matter. I feel that someone must have framed the bandit group and used the matter to propel the city forces to act against us."

"Another matter to take notice of was that the independent cultivator association managed to lead the whole thing. Don't any of you find that a bit unsettling?: The vice leader's words provoked a huge reaction in the assembly. 

"Are you suggesting that the independent cultivator association is behind the whole thing?"

"I suspect them to be the main manipulators behind the scene."

"What do you suggest we do?" One of the leaders spoke up. The Hall instantly quieted down. Even Li Meng couldn't help but become interested in the topic. He didn't have any resources within the city to collect information and plan. This might just provide him with the opportunity.

"I suggest that our groups come up with a coalition to confront the enemy. The city forces are too huge for any of our forces to handle alone. Sooner or later they will come for all of us. We need to pool our resources and manpower together and tackle the problem."

"Our interests are quite different from each other and we wouldn't be able to sustain the group in long run." An old bandit leader spoke up.

"I understand your concern sir poison. But you need to understand that if you die, your interest no longer exists." The vice-leader spoke in a grave tone.

"Are you threatening me?" The old man asked provokingly.

"The coalition is more than threat enough to distract us. I don't wish to waste useless words with anyone here. Your groups alone are not strong enough. Even if two or three of you merge, you will still be wiped out without an emperor cultivator among yourself."

"I suggest that the leaders present here think about it." A spark of conversation spread through the hall.

"How could we trust you? It is quite obvious that the Mad-lions are trying to take advantage of the situation to gain control over the groups presents here. Your interest is well- taken care of. What about ours?"

"You need the power to take control over your fates and fulfil your interests. As of now, you don't possess that power. We are willing to lend it to you. Hence you need to pay an adequate price for it. The Mad-lions are going to benefit from the deal, but so are you. The only difference would be the intensity of the benefit."

"What are you suggesting, vice-leader?" The poison man spoke up.

"I am suggesting the form of a coalition among the bandits, just like the one in the city. It would not only strengthen our forces but also safeguard our position in the Taiwan mountains. We could not only utterly destroy the city forces, but with enough time, we could even expand. And every single group is going to get their fair share of meat."

"Are you suggesting that you be the leader of the coalition?" 

"You have a more powerful and feasible leader for the coalition we are hoping to form." Silence subsided over the whole assembly as no one could object to the fact that Mad-lions were the strongest here.

"How about we come up with a whole parliament and a structure of power levels." Li Meng suddenly spoke up. He couldn't let the Mad-lions get full control of all the group. They were on his 'to be eliminated list'.

"And who are you?" The vice-leader asked Li Meng.

"Just some bandit from around. I am qualified to attend this meeting right. Or are the Mad-lions dominating enough to ignore people like me?" Li Meng's words instantly provoked a reaction from the crowd. Everyone around was thinking the same thing. If the Mad-lions are allowed to go through with their plan, their power would double in a single moment and continue growing.

"I have no such intentions, sir. Since you have the invitation with you, it makes you qualified enough to speak." The vice-leader was irritated by Li meng's actions. The whole assembly was on the opposite side of their intentions, and the man's words just fueled the flames.

"How do you suggest we do that?"

"I have an idea if the people present here are willing to listen."

..................

"While the assembly was going on, a single horse rider was making his way, en-route to the location where city forces were residing him. All unknown to the rider that there was a shadow following him.

Soon enough the scene changed and three people were residing in the tent.

"They are trying to form a coalition within themselves?"

"Yes, sire. They are sure to succeed. The Mad-lions are planning to attack you as soon as the matter is complete."

The vice-leader of the independent association was starting to become nervous by the second. His plan was based on the selfishness of the bandit leaders. But the situation was turning against him. If the coalition is a success, there is no way the city forces are going to survive this venture. The Qi Emperors are not going to take part in this struggle, and the bandits had the benefit of favoured terrain.

..................…..

In the headquarters of Mad-lions-

The leaders were in seclusion the whole time, trying to break through to the next level.

"So there are spies within the forces." One of the two men spoke up. The rider had been followed by one of the vice-leader of the Mad-lions.

"Not only is there a mole in our group, I think one of the other forces is trying to weaken our power, possibly eliminate us with the help of city forces."

"This is going to be a long drawn battle."

"We have to go through with it if we want to reach the next level. We aim to eventually take control over the eastern borders and then the Taiwan mountains."

"Some things are proving to be hurdles for us."

"Are you speaking about the boy who suggested that we create a parliament? I have the vice-leader act against him. He won't be alive for too long."