In the third year of Abyss Descent, January, a global event occurred affecting the White Eagle Federation.
Two Level 33 families in the ASE Alliance had internal strife. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novęlfire.net
Lawrence Phoenix obtained intelligence revealing the source of the information leak from the Prudence Island laboratory, pointing the finger at Will Berg.
This meant that the entire theft incident at the Prudence Island laboratory was orchestrated by Will Berg.
Moreover, he didn’t need to do much; once the laboratory’s data leaked, the ensuing events happened naturally.
Both financial families found themselves in a peculiar predicament.
Will Berg had persistent mental issues due to genetic causes.
Lawrence Phoenix was aging rapidly, to a point where even blood transfusions were ineffective; a desperate ruler of the Oil Empire.
This meant he, like Will Berg, could potentially do anything.
It wasn’t just the Phoenix Family; other Level 33 families in the ASE Alliance held grudges against Will Berg.
Because Will Berg frequently used threats to force them to act.
Yet, because Will Berg was a lunatic, no one wanted to clash with him, so most agreed to his demands.
This situation had persisted for years, and it’s impossible for ASE Alliance member families to have no objections.
Thus, several families joined the Phoenix Family, forming a coalition against the Berg Family.
However, both sides were the wealthiest families in the Human World, were likely to have conflicts and secret contests, but wouldn’t go to extremes.
After all, fighting to the death would only lead to mutual destruction.
The other families just wanted Will Berg to restrain himself; once the conflict reached a certain level, they would eventually sit down to negotiate.
White Eagle Federation, Mitchell State, Prustan Manor.
This was Lawrence Phoenix’s private manor, where he resided and recuperated since before the Abyss Descent.
Most affairs of the Phoenix Family were handled by the core family members.
The management of the holding group had largely been transferred to professional managers.
However, the highest authority of the entire Phoenix Family was still in the hands of Lawrence Phoenix.
Unless he died, this situation would persist.
As for whether the future successor could master the entire family, it’s uncertain.
Each financial family undergoes phases of division and mutual alliance until a family sect leader rises.
Generally, the wealth amassed by such families disperses through generations, losing the ability to influence world dynamics.
Of course, every family seeks ways to maintain control.
The Berg Family chose inbreeding, ensuring their wealth stayed consolidated rather than dispersed due to family size.
This method was effective for several generations, but as succession continued, genetic issues began emerging.
The Phoenix Family faced similar challenges.
Lawrence Phoenix tried everything to extend his lifespan while plotting the future of the family.
He actually had picked a successor, but the successor struggled to earn recognition from other core family members.
Since every core family member wants to be their own master, not someone else’s vassal.
Thus, balancing internal family relations is a difficult task.
A month after the conflict between the two ASE Alliances.
A sedan stopped at the gates of Prustan Manor.
The attendant stepped forward to open the door, and Will Berg, in a suit and round bowler hat, stepped out, following the attendant into the manor.
Will Berg arrived alone, to meet Lawrence Phoenix, unafraid of ambushes within the manor.
Lawrence Phoenix was already seated on the owner’s couch in the living room, and when Will Berg entered, he didn’t stand, just gestured to the sofa opposite.
Will Berg removed his hat, handed it to the attendant, and sat down boldly across from him.
Lawrence Phoenix spoke first, "I’m surprised you came alone."
The attendant served a cup of coffee.
Will Berg didn’t pick up the coffee; instead, he sat upright staring at the elderly sect leader of the Phoenix Family.
Actually, he was also over fifty, not young, but compared to Lawrence Phoenix, he had much more time.
As long as his hereditary mental illness didn’t worsen.
He felt he could now control his mind; even when it spiraled, it remained within manageable bounds.
Will Berg smiled at the old Lawrence, teasingly saying, "The contest is over, and now you know, you don’t have the means to take me out, but you’re nearly dead."
Lawrence Phoenix’s expression was grim; he knew he had little time left, and if he didn’t act now, he might not see the sun tomorrow.
He asked in a deep voice, "Why are you doing this?"
He truly didn’t understand Will Berg’s motivation.
Even a neurotic person must have motives, albeit ones that don’t align with logical reasoning.
However, Will Berg disclosed the location of the Life Tree Vine, and Mu Yu ultimately returned it to the Elf Clan.