Beast Taming: I Have an Immortal Mansion

Chapter 190 - 155: The Black Hand Enters the Fray

"Of course I know all that, Master Fang. Our power is far greater than you can imagine. Whether it’s the Southern Border Beast Taming Sect or Qi Yun and Nanchu, they are merely vassals of two greater powers. Bringing them up isn’t nearly enough to intimidate us."

"If you’re not intimidated, then why are you being so polite to me right now?"

At these words, the smile on the Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator’s face stiffened. Then he said,

"It’s out of respect for the Beast Taming Sect and Qi Yun. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have bothered to come discuss this with you so politely."

"We’ve been talking for some time, yet I still don’t know who you are or what you want."

Only after Fang Qingyuan asked did this Foundation Establishment cultivator reply,

"To be perfectly honest, we are the Black Hand, an organization that operates in the shadows. Wherever a marketplace exists, our members can be found. We’ve sought you out this time to obtain your permission to establish a Black Market in the vicinity of the Yuanling Square Marketplace, to serve as our base of operations."

Once the Foundation Establishment cultivator finished, Fang Qingyuan’s heart jolted in shock. He had heard of this organization, the Black Hand. He had even encountered them before in a place as remote as Sea Gate Island, at the very ends of the earth and far from the mainland. With his Yuanling Mountain growing more prosperous by the day, it was only natural that it would attract them. ’But how can I possibly agree to this?’

The Black Hand was a dark power that hid in the shadows. While they had a reputation for reliability, their public image was in tatters. This was because the organization exclusively dealt in deeds that could not see the light of day: contract killings, instigating conflict between factions, spreading rumors, and infiltrating sects to gather intelligence and uncover their secrets. There were even cases where they had been caught in the act.

Although the Black Hand managed to resolve the situation every time, these sordid affairs—especially the Black Markets they operated—greatly displeased the Great Zhou Academy. The Academy had issued a strict order to crack down on them whenever they were discovered.

Strangely, however, despite being suppressed by the Great Zhou Academy, the Black Hand remained active, its foundations completely unscathed. This offered a glimpse into the power behind them. It was speculated that the Black Hand’s backer was likely a Divinity Transformation Cultivator; otherwise, it would be impossible for their strongholds to spring up everywhere, their members’ presence felt throughout the entire Cultivation Realm.

"The Black Hand... Since your organization is so powerful, why do you even need my consent? Just go and do it. I’ll pretend I don’t see a thing, and I won’t report you to the Great Zhou Academy."

Fang Qingyuan wanted no part of such an organization. The Black Markets operated by the Black Hand dealt in many forbidden things, such as the buying and selling of human cultivation "cauldrons," all sorts of ghost, corpse, and demonic arts, Demon Path Techniques, and cultivation resources. The Great Zhou Academy would punish anyone caught with these items without mercy.

"You are mistaken, Master Fang. The area around Yuanling Mountain is your territory. Without your involvement, we cannot operate with peace of mind. Once the Black Market is established, we’ll give you a thirty percent share of the profits. In addition, if someone were to put a price on your head, we would not accept the contract."

Fang Qingyuan’s brow furrowed upon hearing this. The Foundation Establishment cultivator’s words were crystal clear—it was both an enticement and a threat. ’If I agree, I get a thirty-percent cut. If I refuse... then someone will put a price on my head.’

’Courtesy before force, huh?’ Fang Qingyuan found himself in a difficult position. ’The Black Hand is immensely powerful. If they really try to assassinate me, even a Golden Core cultivator like Lechuan might not be able to protect me. As for Chu Duo from Nanchu... he may have a ten-percent stake in Yuanling Square, but I’d be content if he just stopped causing me trouble. I can’t expect him to lift a finger to help.’

Seeing Fang Qingyuan’s hesitation, the Foundation Establishment cultivator added considerately,

"I know this is rather sudden. You can take your time to think it over, Master Fang. Just give me an answer within five days. During this time, feel free to seek advice from others. I trust we will earn your approval."

The Black Hand’s Foundation Establishment cultivator was extremely confident as he spoke, completely unconcerned that Fang Qingyuan might report this to the Great Zhou Academy. And the more confident he was, the less Fang Qingyuan dared to underestimate them.

"Once I’ve made up my mind, how do I find you?"

"You won’t need to find us. We will meet again when the time comes."

After speaking, the Black Hand’s Foundation Establishment cultivator flickered and vanished without a trace. Fang Qingyuan stared at the empty space around him, sighed, then hurried back to Yuanling Mountain with a completely bewildered Jinbao in tow.

Only when he was back in his Quiet Chamber, shielded by the Mountain Protection Array, did Fang Qingyuan’s heart finally settle a bit. But just one day later, after burying three Fire Attribute Spiritual Materials inside his Immortal Mansion, he mounted Yinbao and, along with Jinbao, hurried off toward Celestial Gate Mountain.

He was going to find Zhao Liangde and Lechuan to ask for their advice. ’Best to drag the two leaders of the Southern Border Beast Taming Sect into this mess,’ he figured. ’That way, when the Great Zhou Academy comes to hold someone accountable, there’ll be others to take the heat for me.’

’Over the years, I’ve paid tribute to Lechuan with no fewer than a hundred Top-grade Spirit Stones, and I’ve given Zhao Liangde even more. For the sake of all those Spirit Stones, those two have to take some of this burden for me. Taking my Spirit Stones without taking any of the responsibility? Where in the world can you find a deal that good?’

And indeed, likely for the sake of those Spirit Stones, Fang Qingyuan was granted an audience with Lechuan easily. The Mid-stage Golden Core Sect Master of the Southern Border Beast Taming Sect looked exactly the same as he had ten years ago—still so young. Zhao Liangde, his disciple, on the other hand, actually looked older than his master.

After hearing the reason for Fang Qingyuan’s visit, Lechuan, who was seated in the host’s chair, merely pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Agree to their terms. The Black Hand is even more powerful than you imagine. They’re active even at the Beast Taming General Mountain. It would be unwise for our Southern Border branch to start a conflict with them."

Hearing this, Fang Qingyuan felt a wave of relief. With Lechuan’s explicit approval, his own responsibility was greatly reduced. ’When the blame eventually comes down,’ he thought, ’it won’t be a fatal blow.’

After Lechuan finished, Zhao Liangde added from the side,

"There are five marketplaces here in the Southern Border: our Celestial Gate Mountain Marketplace, your Yuanling Square, Jiuye Square bordering the Barbaric Wilderness, Qinghe Square to the north, and Guiyuan Square in the far west. As far as I know, ours and Yuanling Square are the only ones without a Black Hand presence."

"The reason they never came to Celestial Gate Mountain is because it’s close to Qinghe Square, where the Black Hand already has a setup. Now they want to open up in the Yuanling Square Marketplace, so just let them. But there’s one thing you need to be clear about: you are only participating under duress. Don’t you dare get involved eagerly, like a dog lunging at filth. Otherwise, when things go south, even we won’t be able to protect you."