The Strategist left, brimming with gratitude.
The Sect Master stroked the dog and looked at his own son. "Did you understand?"
The Young Sect Master scratched his head. "I... think I understood..."
"Useless."
The Sect Master shot him a displeased look.
"People like the Strategist are arrogant, convinced they're immensely talented and extraordinarily wise. Over the years, our annual income has hovered around a hundred million, yet he only gets a few million. Do you think he can keep his balance? Do you think he'll be satisfied?"
"Oh! So he's the traitor!"
"Oh, you..." The Sect Master sighed. "He wouldn't go so far as to betray us. He couldn't have stolen the Luminous Pearl. But he's definitely placing bets on both us and Huo Wendong, eating from both sides. Huo Wendong must have given him considerable benefits, which is why he's running around for him. And if this deal goes through, wouldn't I have to reward him with a big red envelope worth hundreds of thousands?"
"Oh..."
The Sect Master said, "I don't really care if he skims a little or takes a little, as long as he doesn't go too far. But he ruined my big deal this time. That's truly hateful!"
The Young Sect Master seemed to understand, but he did not dare speak.
The Sect Master continued, "And those three newcomers."
"Xiao Wen and the others?"
"Yes." The Sect Master said, "I've always felt there's something off about the three of them. They can handle so many things the moment they get their hands on them. Xiao Wen negotiated directly with Chen Yong and could even revise their blueprints. If you told me he'd never done that before, I wouldn't believe it even if you beat me to death. He must have worked in an office before."