More than three years had passed since they last stirred up trouble for the Zhang Family, and the turmoil from back then had more or less subsided.
The Zhang Family's reputation within Blood Shadow had been thoroughly ruined. There was not a single middle- or lower-ranking disciple who did not curse them.
Of course, Zhou Luan had punished Zhang Dingyi and promoted Zhang Dingming to the position of Supreme Elder, a post with no real authority.
She had also reissued the salaries Zhang Dingyi had previously embezzled, and her prestige had soared beyond compare for a time.
Over the past three years, the Zhang Family had behaved themselves fairly well. Those Zhang Family members who still held positions at headquarters had tried their best not to draw attention.
They handled their duties with utmost care, terrified of making any mistakes.
Now they were causing trouble again, something Wang Daoyuan had never expected.
"They did not dare fight for power directly. Instead, they actively sent Zhang Family disciples into the various branches.
"At first, they were merely making adjustments to positions such as managers within the branches. Headquarters had no way to interfere.
"Now, the Hall Masters and Deputy Hall Masters of second-tier branches are constantly being replaced, and Zhang Family disciples from headquarters are sent over to fill the vacancies.
"You once said that what mattered most to the Zhang Family was not its inheritance or the resources at headquarters, but its influence over the various branches.
"What they are doing now is increasing their influence in the branches. When the time comes, it will be even harder for us to bring down the Zhang Family."
Wang Daoyuan pondered for a long while before asking, "How many first-tier branches are causing trouble like this?"
"Blood Shadow has over twenty first-tier