Chapter 45: The Shadow Faction
Wen Qiannian looked at Chen Nian and calmly said:
“If I were to extend an invitation to you here, Mr. Chen Nian, would you be willing to join the Pokémon Alliance?”
“No.”
“As I thought… It seems my guess was correct.”
Seeing Chen Nian reject her, Wen Qiannian didn’t press further. She smiled faintly and continued:
“With your abilities, Mr. Chen Nian, you can go anywhere in the world. So, the Pokémon Alliance must seem insignificant in your eyes.”
“I came here specifically to confirm whether you harbor any hostility toward the Pokémon Alliance. If you do, I’d like to represent the Alliance in resolving that hostility.”
“Even though you refuse to join, Mr. Chen Nian, I’d like to propose another deal.”
“I hope you’ll consider becoming an external executive for our Pokémon Alliance.”
“If you accept, the Alliance is willing to offer you the following benefits:
Access to Alliance resources for gathering any intelligence you desire.
Authority to utilize Alliance personnel and assets as you see fit.
Protection of your identity to ensure your normal life remains undisturbed.
“No mandatory obligations, any requests will require your consent.
Additionally, I can disclose everything about the Jiang and Li families without reservation.”
“I believe you understand what I’m implying, Mr. Chen Nian.”
……
Chen Nian understood perfectly. Wen Qiannian was extending an olive branch on behalf of the Pokémon Alliance.
The title of “external executive” was merely a formality—their real goal was to secure his goodwill. To that end, they were even willing to grant him control over resources and personnel. Their sincerity was undeniable.
There were indeed many trivial matters in life that required assistance. After all, he couldn’t rely on Necrozma for everything.
Clearly, the Alliance valued his influence and worth highly.
Since Chen Nian held no particular fondness or animosity toward the Pokémon Alliance, he responded:
“I understand your intentions, Miss Wen.”
“I accept this deal.”
“I’ll become your external executive—but ensure my identity remains confidential.”
“You needn’t worry, Mr. Chen Nian. Only the Alliance’s highest echelons will have access to your true identity.”
“Good. Now, tell me about the Jiang and Li families. The Li family’s massacre and the Jiang family’s forced marriage—does the Alliance have any connection to these events?”
……
Wen Qiannian met his gaze and patiently explained:
“In truth, both incidents are related to the Pokémon Alliance.”
“Months ago, rumors surfaced that Li Qiuran, head of the Tian’an City Alliance branch, was colluding with a criminal syndicate.”
“To investigate discreetly, the Alliance enlisted Jiang, the Dragon-type Gym Leader, to surveil the Li family.”
“To avoid alerting them, Jiang pretended to agree to marry his daughter to Li Shanhe of the Li family.”
“The Shelgon offered as a dowry had a hidden flaw—a congenital defect that rendered it unfit for prolonged battles.”
“Gym Leader Jiang discovered this but played along, maintaining a façade of cooperation.”
“Unexpectedly, his daughter ran away due to the arranged marriage.”
“Regretting his secrecy, Jiang wished he had confided in her earlier.”
“Then, criminals targeted the Li family.”
“They slaughtered the Lis, stole their Pokémon, and left no survivors.”
“Li Shanhe escaped severely injured, but he’s now effectively crippled.”
……
Chen Nian frowned.
“If I recall correctly, every Alliance branch head possesses Elite Four-level strength—six peak-tier Pokémon. How could the Li family be wiped out so swiftly?”
“Does the Alliance know the attackers’ identities?”
Wen Qiannian nodded.
“We’ve narrowed down the culprits.”
“Have you heard of the Shadow Faction, Mr. Chen Nian?”
“Evidence suggests they’re behind this.”