After listening to the chieftain’s words, Xiao Shun pondered for a moment and felt that the suggestion was indeed very good. Eastbrook, located in the eastern part of Wradeogon, was the outermost area controlled by the Old School Society in the southeast, and the facilities for practitioners there were already quite complete. If Eastbrook could serve as the New School Society’s bridgehead in the east, it would undoubtedly radiate influence over a broader area. With this in mind, Xiao Shun nodded his approval.
“Eastbrook is of extraordinary significance to us. Ye Nantian alone might struggle to cope here, so I hope you can stay and help him solidify our model base!” Xiao Shun suggested.
The chieftain smiled noncommittally, having known early on that Xiao Shun would ask him to stay in Eastbrook. After all, the place was too far from the core of the “New School Society,” and a capable person was needed to hold the fort-himself, precisely!
Patting the chieftain’s shoulder, Xiao Shun picked up the “Stag’s Sever” at his feet and began walking down the mountain. Despite the snowflakes still fluttering around and the temperature plunging to freezing point, Xiao Shun’s figure, clad in a thin garment, remained upright and resilient like a pine tree, gradually disappearing into the vast white landscape.
Turning his gaze away, the chieftain looked toward the summit, his eyes gleaming as if deep in thought. After a long sigh, he murmured to himself, “Alas, the Old School Society’s days are numbered.”
This was not an aimless comment. Although there was still a significant gap between the Old School Society and the New School Society, the latter held all the strategic advantages. Whether in terms of resources or policies, the provisions for practitioners were surprisingly favorable. It seemed only a matter of time before the trend would shift.
Now, with his support for Ye Nantian to properly develop Eastbrook as a model area, the entire east was almost within easy reach. With these thoughts, the chieftain felt a mixture of emotions, but his gaze was resolute. The Old School Society had dug its own grave, while the future of the New School Society was boundlessly promising.
Simultaneously, Xiao Shun, draped in a cloak of pure white snow, walked into a bamboo grove. Here, the high-ranking members of the Eastbrook Old School Society were waiting in full attendance.
Upon seeing Xiao Shun, they bowed respectfully, “Mr. Xiao!”
Nodding slightly, Xiao Shun acknowledged their stance. Since they were now one family, such formalities were unnecessary, so he gestured for them to dispense with the pleasantries.
“Mr. Xiao, we have fully pledged allegiance and from today onwards are part of the ‘New School Society,’ with our loyalty firmly towards the society and Mr. Xiao!” declared Ye Nantian respectfully.
As the others echoed his sentiment, Xiao Shun smiled slightly, “Very well, from today, you are the only force of the New School Society in the east. Your positions remain unchanged, all under the command of Mr. Chieftain.”
“Huh?” The crowd was momentarily puzzled, looking bewilderingly at Xiao Shun.
“Just now, the chieftain and the other seven senior members of the New School Society have pledged their allegiance to me, intending to completely overthrow the ruling position of the Old School Society!” Xiao Shun explained.
This revelation shocked Ye Nantian and the others. The chieftain was one of the most staunch supporters of the Old School Society and was seen as the least likely to defect. Yet, he had now joined the New School Society, a turn of events that was both surprising and incomprehensible.
However, people can be blind sometimes, and once they understand the underlying dynamics, they can be enlightened. The chieftain’s defection was not born out of hatred but from love. The Old School Society was just a name; true faith does not cling to the strokes of characters but resides in everyone’s heart!
It was Xiao Shun’s words that had enlightened him, revealing how the current actions of the Old School Society were losing people’s hearts. Thus, to protect the sacred Old School Society in his heart, he decided to topple the group that treated the organization as a mere tool.
Soon after, Xiao Shun began discussing the establishment of “Apex Associates” and “Little Pellet Pavilion” with Ye Nantian. This made Ye Nantian feel honored, as establishing these entities would undoubtedly make Eastbrook a crucial strategic stronghold next to Harrow. Consequently, his status as the branch head of the Eastbrook New School Society would become significantly influential.
With this in mind, Ye Nantian brought out his most enthusiastic attitude while discussing the matter with Xiao Shun, and therest also realized the key points, offering their strategies and advice.
After some discussion, Xiao Shun’s plan was set. He chuckled, “Leave the local management to you. As for how to promote our New School Society’s new ventures, I’ll think of a way!”
“Mr. Xiao, there is still one trouble in front of us that needs your intervention,” Ye Nantian mentioned, looking somewhat troubled.
“What’s the problem?” Xiao Shun asked, frowning.
Before Ye Nantian could respond, an older man nearby spoke up first. “Although we practitioners have all joined the New School Society, much of Eastbrook’s city management is still filled with followers of the Old School Society. They receive numerous benefits from them every year, and if we cannot persuade them, our plans will be difficult to implement.”
“And who might this be?” Xiao Shun asked, looking at the white-haired elder.
The old man bowed and introduced himself, “I am the former deputy branch head of the Eastbrook Old School Society, Jiang Jian!”
“Ah, Mr. Jiang!” Xiao Shun returned the bow.
Ye Nantian added, “If it weren’t for Mr. Jiang’s age, I would have handed over the position of branch head to him long ago due to his significant contributions to maintaining Eastbrook amidst the unfavorable policies of the Old School Society!”
Although purely a compliment, this revealed the respect Ye Nantian had for Jiang Jian’s capabilities.
“Hehe, Brother Ye flatters me. The current state of Eastbrook isn’t the work of one person alone; my colleagues here have all played indispensable roles,” responded Jiang Jian modestly, bowing to those around him.
Then, his aged face showed a strong confidence as he looked at Xiao Shun, “I have some connections in the management committee; if Mr. Xiao doesn’t mind my old age, I could take on the task of persuasion.”
Xiao Shun smiled noncommittally and then bowed slightly, “Hehe, then we must rely on Mr. Jiang to take action!”
“As I’m now a part of the New School Society, it’s my responsibility,” Jiang Jian stated firmly. “May I know what kind of offer Mr. Xiao plans to give for me to negotiate with the management committee? Knowing the bottom line would help me prepare.”
“An offer?” Xiao Shun curved his lips into a slight smile and chuckled.
“Heh, there is no price!”