Fang Yuxin and her two companions settled in a small partition, a very small space consisting only of a crude folding bed without even a closet. These partitions were small rooms sectioned off a larger room, specifically for rent to small teams of two or three like them. Currently, Luyun County had yet to be captured, and the population of Beishi Base was too large, leading to an acute housing shortage. Even superpower users had to squeeze many into one room, while the situation for Ordinary People was even worse—they could only sleep in large shared bunks.
These small partitions, like the one they were staying in, were not only expensive to rent but also impossible to secure without connections. It was only thanks to the Corpse Hunting Team’s gratitude for their lifesaving help that they managed to find even such a partition.
Of course, there were better accommodations available, such as various hotels or guesthouses within the Base, rented out to high-level superpower users. However, should they stay there, they would inevitably expose themselves to the scrutiny of multiple powers, which would be an unreasonable loss.
The three did not need to lie down to sleep; they could use the nighttime for cultivation, so they didn’t mind the subpar environment of the partition. Besides, staying in the partition was just a disguise. Their real place of stay was Fang Yuxin’s Qingmu Spiritual Mansion.
Before coming out, Fang Yuxin had taken the precaution of creating three Substitute Puppets. As long as a drop of Essence Blood was attached to them, they could present the appearance of the three of them staying in the partition, without worrying about being discovered should someone suddenly break in. Of course, Fang Yuxin’s cultivation was still very low, and these Substitute Puppets were only low-grade items, incomparable to real people, and could not fool expert eyes. Fortunately, this world was not the Cultivation World, so these Substitute Puppets were sufficient to deceive most.
By the time they entered the Base, it was already completely dark, and coupled with the cold weather, the streets were deserted. Aside from patrol teams, not a single person was visible; therefore, after they reached their lodging, they did not venture out again. Fang Yuxin took out the three Substitute Puppets, simulating the appearance of the trio, and then the three entered the Qingmu Spiritual Mansion.
At noon, they had been with the Corpse Hunting Team and could not properly eat, so they had to make do with compressed biscuits. Now that they were in the Qingmu Spiritual Mansion, Fang Yuxin specially prepared a lavish dinner to compensate for the missed meal at noon.
Having eaten their fill, the three began to discuss the situation at Beishi Base. As they were in the Qingmu Spiritual Mansion, they had no fear of being eavesdropped on and could speak their minds freely.
Fang Yuxin said, "Who would have thought that in just over three short months, Beishi Base would have undergone earth-shattering changes? Now, I guess the only power that can barely contend with Zhao Qiankun is probably the White Wolf Mercenary Corps, but even they may not last too long." As she spoke, her heart also felt some emotions. Although she never considered the Qu Family as a true relative, she was still bound by kinship, and now the Qu Family had fallen completely under the Bai Family’s influence, which was lamentable.
Bai Ye’s heart wasn’t at ease either. He disliked Bai Zhengyi and his son Bai Yi and held some affection for the Bai Family. Moreover, Zhao Qiankun had always coveted Fang Yuxin, obsessed with her, and even plotted to kill him, which made him utterly detest Zhao Qiankun. Although he enjoyed watching the Bai Zhengyi and his son Bai Yi, a dog-eat-dog spectacle against Zhao Qiankun, he didn’t want to see the White Wolf Mercenary Corps fall into Zhao Qiankun’s hands, allowing him to become the true uncrowned king of Beishi Base, reigning supreme!
So he cautiously said, "Zhao Qiankun is too ambitious. If he truly sets a death trap for his personal gain again and disregards the lives of others, we must figure out a way to stop him!"
Fang Yuyang suddenly looked at him and asked coldly, "What then, after we stop him? Without Zhao Qiankun, Beishi Base would have only the Bai Family at the top. What difference would there be between them and Zhao Qiankun?" He, too, disliked Zhao Qiankun, but he held no fondness for the Bai Family either!
Fang Yuxin narrowed her eyes and raised her hand to quell the argument between the two, analysing rationally, "Both of you are right. Considering Beishi Base’s size and Zhao Qiankun’s ambition, if he truly becomes the sole authority, he will never be content with just taking over Beishi Base. He will definitely seek to expand. We currently have no idea how much future technology he has under his control. Once he swallows up the White Wolf Mercenary Corps and starts expanding outward, Hope Base may well be affected. We must strike first!"