Ma Wanbao smiled faintly at Li Ling's answer. "I meant nothing else by it. I could tell at a glance that Sect Master Li was as sick of Northsky Island's people and affairs as I am. Rather than let those mediocrities sit in office drawing pay for doing nothing, we might as well seize power ourselves. If Northsky Island faces another crisis, we won't have everyone passing the buck without ever reaching a decision."
Li Ling asked, "How exactly would we do that?"
"Naturally, you and I would form an alliance, advance and retreat together, and leave the others behind to take control of the Council of Elders.
"I believe Northsky Island still has some capable, intelligent people willing to take an active hand in its affairs. Now that Sect Master Li has slain the shark and your prestige has soared, you need only stand on high and issue a call, and supporters will gather like clouds. Nor would anyone lightly oppose a decision made by you and me. Then the Council of Elders would become our instrument for issuing orders."
Li Ling said, "If I could accomplish that myself, why would I need to cooperate with you?"
Ma Wanbao laughed heartily. "Because the Myriad Treasures Tower has sufficient wealth, and I, Ma Wanbao, have sufficient strength! Forgive my bluntness, but doing all this alone is beyond your means. I and the Myriad Treasures Tower, on the other hand, could manage it.
"But now you possess the strength to slay the shark, you could very well work against me, and I would have no way to stop you. That's why I want you aboard."
"The way you put it," Li Ling said, "I sound incapable of accomplishing anything, but more than capable of ruining things."
Ma Wanbao answered seriously, "Precisely.