With Qinghezi's patient explanation, Lu Mian finally gained some understanding of the major powers currently operating in Martial Might Commandery City.
The strongest power in Martial Might Commandery City was undoubtedly the General's Mansion.
Because Martial Might Commandery City occupied a unique geographical position right beside the Wilds Great Plain, a well-equipped, powerful military force had been stationed there year-round.
After the Heavenly Calamity, this frontier army swiftly withdrew into Martial Might Commandery City, established the General's Mansion, and took over all local affairs from the government offices.
Later, the frontier army's old general died unexpectedly, and his adopted son succeeded him.
Aside from the General's Mansion, Martial Might Commandery City had three other major powers: the Eight Directions Trading Alliance, the Thousand Blades Gang, and the Sunflame Daoist Grounds.
The Eight Directions Trading Alliance was an organization formed by the prominent families of Martial Might Commandery City. Rich and influential, it held a virtual monopoly over all kinds of businesses in the city.
The Thousand Blades Gang was a long-established local power that had made its fortune smuggling goods to and from the tribes of the Wilds Great Plain. It had three leaders.
As for the Sunflame Daoist Grounds, it was the weakest of the three and merely kept to its own little patch of territory.
"There's something I just can't understand."
"Why would the Thousand Blades Gang attack us..."
"After all, the Sunflame Daoist Grounds is dirt poor. There's nothing to gain from it."
Qinghezi sighed.
This was precisely what puzzled him.
Everything happened for a reason.
The Thousand Blades Gang couldn't have attacked them for no reason at all.
"Maybe our existence got in their way."
"There might be another power behind the Thousand Blades Gang."
Lu Mian spoke gravely.
"Who?!"
Qinghezi asked, startled and uncertain.
"The