CHAPTER 993: CHAPTER 470: HEADING TO PLUM MOUNTAIN

Listening to Yang Qinghua’s indignant roar, Yang Lin understood that those undercover agents sent by other worlds had promised various benefits to his subordinates, making them believe it to be true. This belief stemmed from both their perspective and mindset.

In the end, it was because most people within the Yang Family Army had a narrow vision, only seeing immediate benefits, making them easy to manipulate.

"Enough!" Yang Lin interrupted Yang Qinghua’s roar and said in a deep voice, "Do you think that with Star Sea withdrawn from Lin’an, our Lin’an World can return to its former glory?"

"With enough time, we can achieve it." Yang Qinghua’s gaze was firm, and his words were resolute.

"Haha, ignorant. How could the Yang family have such an ignorant fool like you? It truly is a failure of my command!" Yang Lin sighed, explaining, "Without the protection of the Heavenly God ancestor, even if Lin’an is not annexed by the Constant Domain Alliance, when dealing with the Eighteen Realms in the future, it will become cannon fodder for those people, charging at the forefront as a chess piece until death."

Yang Lin’s words did not evoke any feelings in Yang Qinghua, whose gaze remained unwavering, as if convinced that what he was doing was right.

Seeing Yang Qinghua’s expression, Yang Lin knew that there was no need to continue persuading him. Time was tight, and he had many others to deal with.

"Take him away and keep a tight watch!"

After saying this, Yang Lin stood up and left the interrogation platform.

In just three days, Yang Lin secretly arrested numerous high-ranking officials of the Yang Family Army.

The disappearance of many mid-to-high-level officials in the Yang Family Army alerted the last few traitors, who incited the military’s emotions when Yang Lin tried to capture them, nearly causing unrest.

Although eventually suppressed by Yang Lin, the incident left him feeling a chill of fear.

It turned out that just a few rumors could cause a massive drop in his prestige as the Commander of the Yang Family Army, whom he personally led and cultivated.

Today, Yang Lin finally understood the power of public opinion.

Within five days, Yang Lin used thunderous means to arrest and interrogate the personnel provided by the Star Sea Investigation Department one by one.

Not many confessed, but at least someone spoke up.

From them, Lu Hong learned that Shuidong World was the culprit behind this incident.

They secretly sent many undercover agents into Lin’an to maximally disrupt Lin’an’s internal stability and unity, creating difficulties for Star Sea.

Moreover, they promised the Yang Family Army heavily that once the Star Sea army was driven away, Lin’an World would still be theirs, and no one could take it. Additionally, these agents assured the Yang Family Army’s high-ranking officials that after success, Shuidong World’s first Heavenly God ancestor would come forward to protect Lin’an World.

This promise could only deceive children, yet many of the Yang Family Army’s high-level officials believed this nonsense.

"Only a fool would believe such a thing, right?" After hearing Yang Lin’s report, Lu Hong smirked, seemingly helpless.

These negative messages spread so quickly, relying entirely on the Yang Family Army’s high-level officials fanning the flames from behind. So towards these fools, Lu Hong felt truly speechless.

However, at this moment, Nuoshan let out a sigh: "They are not fools; they merely chose the latter, in favor of independence over serving Star Sea, even if there’s a glimmer of hope."

Indeed, although the Yang Family Army was reorganized into the fifth Star Sea division, they almost felt no sense of belonging to the Star Sea. Even the lowest ranking Yang family soldiers still longed for the former Lin’an, let alone the high-ranking military officials. Thus, they were unwilling to become a vassal of Star Sea, even if they knew Shuidong World might be deceiving them, they still wanted to gamble.

"So, Commander Yang, how do you plan to deal with those who betrayed Star Sea?" Lu Hong asked the question that Yang Lin least wanted to face now.

Though unwilling to face it, it was unavoidable.

"Star Lord, Yang Qinghua and sixteen other traitors of my Yang Family Army have committed four crimes: incitement, spreading rumors, harming, and betrayal. According to military regulations, they should be executed!"

Yang Lin took a deep breath and spoke decisively. He could not protect, nor was he able to protect these subordinates. This matter already posed a serious threat to Star Sea’s rule in Lin’an and needed to be handled rigorously. As the Commander of Star Sea’s fifth division, protecting these traitors would indicate to everyone that Yang Lin’s heart still belonged to Lin’an. If so, his fifth division might cease to exist.

Although Nuoshan appeared kind, he was ruthless and decisive in action. If Yang Lin showed favoritism towards Lin’an’s old forces, his fifth division could very likely be eliminated, and Lin’an would face a second cleansing. With the Plum Mountain meeting imminent, Nuoshan wanted peace in Lin’an, and no further issues could occur.

Therefore, Yang Lin had to abandon these high-ranking officials of the Yang Family Army for the sake of Lin’an’s stability and more Yang family soldiers.

"Very good." Lu Hong nodded, "Since that’s the case, Commander Yang, take action on this matter. Additionally, tomorrow the investigation department will conduct an investigation of the planes under the Yang family’s jurisdiction. At that time, I hope Commander Yang can fully cooperate to root out the Shuidong undercover agents lurking within our Lin’an World, leaving no stones unturned."

"Minister Yang Lin, at your command!"

"Alright, go and get busy."

Having sent off Yang Lin, Lu Hong looked at Nuoshan and smiled, "What do you think about how Yang Lin handled this matter?"

Nuoshan nodded, "Not bad, quite bold. If he had tried his best to protect those traitors, I might have advised you to abolish the fifth division. During this period, no problems should arise within Star Sea."

"Well, then let the results of this investigation be circulated through official documents to cities in all major planes of Lin’an, and the other four Star Sea divisions should also receive this document. Everyone must understand this is merely Shuidong World’s conspiracy."

Upon hearing this, Nuoshan nodded, "I have already ordered someone to handle it."

"In that case, we can comfortably proceed to Plum Mountain!" Lu Hong stretched lazily, "Let’s prepare and set off as soon as possible."

"Alright!"

Since the issue had been resolved, Lu Hong and Nuoshan decided to set out early.

Early the next day, Lu Hong took Nuoshan and left Lin’an, heading towards Plum Mountain in the center of Constant Domain.

Although Nuoshan had been in All Heavens and Myriads of Worlds for years, he mostly spent time across various world planes, for a simple reason. There were so many matters requiring his attention, year-round without rest, always on call, with no time for leisure.

Thus, this trip was also considered a relaxing journey for Nuoshan.

"Old man feels the air on this ancient road is exceptionally fresh!" Nuoshan leisurely walked on the ancient road, which was broad and had a diverse terrain with rising mountains, offering a scenic beauty different from the planes’ environments.

Because this journey was early and time was ample, Lu Hong patiently accompanied Nuoshan, wandering around leisurely, taking breaks along the way.

After nearly a month and a half, they arrived at a small town near Plum Mountain on the ancient road.

Due to the Plum Mountain meeting, the four small towns around Plum Mountain were already overcrowded. However, the town’s guardians did not use this opportunity to make a substantial profit. Instead, they opened all accommodations to provide lodging for those attending the gathering.

Of course, those who chose to stay in town were mostly people from smaller planes. Those from top-tier planes had many followers and escorts, and they would set up camp on the ancient road rather than enter the crowded town.

"Boss, do you have any rooms?" Lu Hong asked at the inn counter.

"Well..." The innkeeper looked at Lu Hong and Nuoshan, somewhat troubled, and explained, "There are guest rooms, but Tianlong Heavenly God instructed that our guest rooms are only for those with invitations to the gathering. If you are here to witness the Plum Mountain gathering, please inquire at other town shops, as some shop owners have spare rooms available for rent."

"No problem, we have invitations here." As he said this, Lu Hong took out the invitation given to them by the Golden World.

After examining and verifying the invitation, the innkeeper quickly called for a waiter, "Take these guests to Room 3 in the Tianzi section."

"Alright, esteemed guests, please follow me." The waiter nodded, respectfully leading the two, "Esteemed guests, our inn has been notified to provide free services to all attendees during the Plum Mountain gathering. If you have any needs, feel free to mention, and our inn will surely satisfy your requests."

"Oh? Is that so?" Nuoshan chuckled, "In that case, this young man should prepare the best food here. I have a fondness for delicious things."

"No problem, please wait a moment. I will instruct the kitchen to prepare dishes for you right away. Are there any dietary restrictions?"

Nuoshan shook his head, "This young man can make the decisions. We are not picky eaters."