I Can Add Points Infinitely - Chapter 66

“Senior Brother, does this mean we can no longer interfere with the mine?”

Someone broke the silence surrounding the room.

Fang Nan’s expression darkened slightly. He glanced at the speaker and sighed, “For the time being, no.”

“A few days ago, one of my agents sent a message saying that Shen Lian is investigating the identities of all the disciples and has even killed some of our people.”

“Since then, there hasn’t been any further news from that side.”

“I suspect that all our covert lines have been cut off.”

“What do we do then?”

The speaker seemed anxious. “If Shen Lian fully controls the mine, our profits will take a significant hit.”

“I’m working on a solution.”

Fang Nan rubbed his face in frustration. “Everyone might have to bear with reduced supplies of spirit stones for a while, but I assure you, I’ll soon find a way to restore our earnings.”

“That’s not a big deal…”

“Yeah, we still trust you, Senior Brother.”

Hearing Fang Nan’s promise, the others quickly offered reassurance.

“However, Shen Lian remains a problem. Can’t we find a way to just eliminate him?”

Someone suggested.

Fang Nan did not speak but turned his head to look at Tang Shisi.

Understanding his cue, Tang Shisi stepped forward and said, “We’ve already tried that.”

“A while ago, I contacted the Seven Fiends of Fallen Ghost Cavern and hired them to ambush Shen Lian.”

“But for some unknown reason, Shen Lian emerged completely unscathed and even took a leisurely stroll around the capital.”

“Later, I investigated and found out that six of the Seven Fiends were killed—all with sword wounds, and all killed in a single strike. Clearly, the one who did it was incredibly powerful.”

“As for the leader, Feng Xinglie, he has disappeared without a trace. There hasn’t been any news since.”

“What…?”

“Was it Shen Lian who killed them?”

The crowd exchanged glances, asking.

“It’s unlikely to be him. Feng Xinglie was in the Golden Core stage; no matter how careless he might have been, he couldn’t have been defeated by a Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

Tang Shisi shook his head.

“So, someone helped Shen Lian? Could it have been those on Su Luo’s side?”

“That’s possible. I’m still investigating, but I don’t have any evidence yet.”

Tang Shisi replied.

“Damn it, who would have thought that a mere Shen Lian would cause us so much trouble,” Chu Mingxu suddenly stood up, looking impatient. “Maybe I should go and handle him myself. I refuse to believe he could evade me a second time.”

“No!”

Tang Shisi immediately objected without any hesitation.

“Competition among core disciples is one thing, but outright killing is crossing a line. The sect would never permit it.”

“Hiring the Seven Fiends last time was already risky enough. You absolutely can’t act again.”

“If Feng Xinglie is captured, he could be used as evidence against us.”

“For now, everyone should lie low and avoid provoking the mine.”

“But…”

Chu Mingxu wanted to argue further, but seeing Tang Shisi’s fierce glare, he could only grumble and sit back down.

“Damn it, how long will we have to endure this?” he muttered in frustration.

“You have no right to talk. I asked you to recruit Shen Lian, and look what you did! If he had joined our side, we wouldn’t be in this mess now, would we?”

Fang Nan suddenly lashed out, scolding Chu Mingxu with annoyance.

“I…”

Chu Mingxu opened his mouth to retort.

At this point, even if he didn’t like it, he had to admit that his arrogance and underestimation of Shen Lian had caused the current troubles.

Being scolded by Fang Nan in front of everyone left Chu Mingxu speechless.

“Alright, alright, Senior Brother, everyone, it’s just a minor issue…”

“We’ve been working together for so long; let’s not let a small matter create a rift between us. It’ll be a joke if others find out.”

A plump, kind-looking middle-aged man stood up to mediate.

“Exactly, it’s just a small matter; don’t let it hurt our camaraderie…”

The others echoed in agreement.

“That’s enough.”

Fang Nan sighed and waved his hand. “Everyone, go back for now. Don’t provoke Shen Lian. I’ll think of another plan.”

“Alright.”

The group nodded and gradually dispersed.

…

After this meeting, Fang Nan’s faction remained quiet for a while.

The mine experienced a rare period of calm and entered a high-growth phase.

Fang Nan shifted his focus to Su Luo, suspecting that Su Luo might have something to do with Feng Xinglie’s disappearance. However, several investigations revealed that Su Luo’s side was strangely quiet, with no noticeable movements.

After discussing with Tang Shisi multiple times, Fang Nan couldn’t figure out what Su Luo was up to and decided not to act hastily.

Both factions had their schemes, which ultimately benefited Shen Lian.

Luo Junyuan spent more than half a month investigating the eighth prince thoroughly before returning to report to Shen Lian.

After confirming the prince’s abilities, Shen Lian instructed Luo Junyuan to return to the sect and recruit disciples from his cohort who hadn’t joined any factions yet.

Shen Lian saw this as an opportunity to bring them into his own camp.

Luo Junyuan set out immediately, and after about twenty days, he returned with fourteen disciples.

Shen Lian assigned these disciples, along with Luo Junyuan, to support the eighth prince in managing his business association.

Their role was twofold: to handle crucial matters and gather intelligence secretly, while also monitoring the prince to prevent any covert maneuvers.

Additionally, this move publicly established the backing of the eighth prince, signaling Shen Lian’s official involvement in the political struggles of the Yan Kingdom’s royal family.

With financial, political, and personal strength advancing simultaneously, Shen Lian completed his initial deployment. His influence began to expand, and his position was becoming prominent, with no one left to obstruct him.

Another month passed.

The large-scale auction in the capital was about to begin.

Shen Lian instructed Yun Xiong and the others to oversee the mine while he prepared to set out for the auction.

The mine’s operations were now running smoothly, and the disciples had all been firmly disciplined by Shen Lian.

With Yun Xiong in charge, Shen Lian believed that the mine would remain stable even if he withdrew.

“Junior Brother, take me with you. I’ve never been to an auction before.”

“Since I have nothing to do at the mine, let me come along for some fun.”

Upon hearing that Shen Lian was attending the auction, Dong Yanyan immediately grabbed his arm and started shaking it, her voice sweet and playful.

“Uh… I also want to go.”

Shen Lian was about to respond when he heard a soft voice nearby.

“Uh…”

Instinctively, he turned to see who had spoken and was stunned.

Unexpectedly, it was Shan Qing, who had always been particularly quiet and rarely spoke.

“Sister, you want to go too?”

Shen Lian asked in surprise.

“Yes.”

Shan Qing nodded, her cheeks inexplicably turning rosy.