With the powerful forces in Shuofang City leading by example, the other forces quickly became compliant.
After all, if even the strongest among them had been subdued, surrender seemed the only option. They might not want to die, so they had no choice but to submit!
When the Dragoon Army stepped in to negotiate, these forces, though gritting their teeth, had no choice but to hand over all their accumulated assets from generations past. They could only seethe in anger, unable to voice their complaints.
...
"Lord, as per your instructions, I've gathered the leaders of the major forces in Shuofang City into the city lord's palace. Those who resisted have been dealt with, and their assets have been collected into the space ring," Yuan Zuozong reported.
Orion took the ring from Yuan Zuozong, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
"Did any noble family really reveal their entire heritage?" Orion wondered aloud. "I expected they would fight to the death for the assets they've accumulated over the years!"
Orion expressed some regret. For practitioner families, cultivation resources were everything. They were usually fiercely guarded, with people willing to fight to the death over them.
Yet, these forces had given up their resources without a fight. It was astonishing!
Yuan Zuozong smiled. "It's likely they saw what happened to the uncooperative forces and were frightened into compliance. The old aristocrats are quite perceptive."
Orion's eyes narrowed with depth. "The city's complex dynamics are troubling. Taking their assets may have caused significant resentment."
"Whether they cooperated willingly or not, the old-timers' deep scheming is evident."
Upon learning that Yuan Zuozong had arranged the forces at the city lord's mansion, Orion's lips curled into a subtle smile.
"Hehe."
"General Yuan, if someone were to forcibly take something you consider as vital as your life, how would you feel?"
Yuan Zuozong was momentarily stunned by Orion's question. "I would be filled with hatred! Losing all my possessions would..."
Orion's eyes flashed coldly. "Yes, hatred is precisely what they feel! Even if they don't voice it, their hearts are filled with rage."
Orion already knew that these forces likely harbored murderous intentions toward them. "Yuan Zuozong, there's one more thing. I won't deal with these forces directly. Now that I've squeezed them dry, it's time to eliminate them. You'll need to handle that."
Orion spoke calmly. Since these forces had sided with the Zhou Dynasty, they were natural enemies. There was no reason to spare them. Better to convert them into valuable resources for themselves!
"Understood! I'll have Xu San take care of it," Yuan Zuozong said solemnly.
"Good. Move quickly. We must cut the weeds and remove the roots—ensure no traces are left behind!"
Orion chuckled as he spoke, knowing that these forces were all doomed.
He then turned his attention to the space ring. "Wow, there's so much stuff!"
"If we took these out, we could form a transcendent force!"
Orion's eyes lit up at the sight of the ring's contents. Yuan Zuozong had seemingly confiscated the entire Shuofang City's wealth!
Aside from numerous other items, there were over 300 million spirit stones alone!
Yuan Zuozong scratched his head, explaining, "Most of these assets came from a force called the Baichao Chamber of Commerce. By the way, I remember finding two eighth-grade elixirs on the fourth floor of their building."
"Eighth-grade elixirs?" Orion's eyes gleamed with excitement. He quickly rummaged through the ring and found two exquisite boxes made of warm jade.
"The Baichao Chamber of Commerce had many valuable items, but these two eighth-grade elixirs are the most valuable," Yuan Zuozong explained.
The Baichao Chamber of Commerce was divided into four levels, with items on higher floors being more valuable. These two elixirs were the rarest items from the fourth floor.
Orion opened one of the jade boxes, and a fragrant aroma filled the air. He felt his spirit rejuvenate with just a whiff.
"Indeed! This is an eighth-grade elixir," Orion confirmed after reading the label.
The label described the elixir as the eighth-grade Xuan Huang Dan, known for aiding in realm breakthroughs and strengthening spiritual roots.
Orion, however, shook his head in disappointment. While it was a good elixir, it wasn't the healing elixir he sought.
He turned his attention to the second box. "I hope this one brings a surprise."
Opening the jade box, Orion read the description:
"Eighth-grade elixir, Jasper Hot Spring Elixir. Known for building muscles, whitening bones, reshaping veins, repairing dark wounds, and reconciling spiritual platforms. A holy medicine for healing!"
"Perfect!" Orion's expression brightened. This was the healing elixir he had been hoping for.
"Luo Yi, this healing elixir is for you!" Orion handed the elixir to Luo Yi, who had been recovering from injuries.
"Thank you, Lord!" Luo Yi took the elixir with gratitude, deeply moved by Orion's efforts.
Orion's dedication to finding the right elixir for Luo Yi did not go unnoticed. With such a leader, there was nothing to regret in life!