Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1547 - 1540: Intelligence Agency

Chapter 1547: Chapter 1540: Intelligence Agency

"The Sect Master treats us very well," said the Demon Clan member warily, eyeing Cheng Ziang cautiously as he spoke.

"Don’t be so nervous around me. I’m not going to tattle to your Sect Master. Besides, we’re leaving tomorrow and who knows when we will be back," Cheng Ziang gestured with his hand to reassure him.

Hearing this, the Demon Clan member looked dubious, then, after a long silence and a deep breath, said seriously, "The Sect Master treats us very kindly. Although we can’t be admitted into the Sect because we are of the Demon Clan, the Sect Master allows us to enjoy the treatment of outer disciples. If not for the Sect Master, I would’ve starved to death on the streets of Bianzhen Town a long time ago."

As he spoke, his expression suddenly turned to one of bitter resentment, and he gritted his teeth as he said, "Those who claim to be our kin watch indifferently as their own people collapse from hunger on the roadside, without a single person willing to help. If it were not for the passing brethren from the Wuyun Sect, we would not know how many times we might have died."

"Oh, there’s such a story," Cheng Ziang nodded in understanding.

Since he had basically asked all he needed to know, Cheng Ziang kept his promise and did not continue to press the Demon Clan member.

He lightly tugged and easily pulled out the long blade that was stuck in the wall. Sheathing the blade, he didn’t even lift his head as he said to the Demon Clan member, "You may go. Remember, do not disclose to your Wuyun Sect brothers that you have seen us."

"Yes, thank you to both Manor Lords," the Demon Clan member said, relieved. He bowed several times as he made his way to the exit and then turned and hurriedly ran off.

"Hmph, the Wuyun Sect is indeed no simple matter," Cheng Ziang watched his retreating back and murmured with a cold laugh.

Although he did not accomplish the expected task, he felt that this inadvertent gain was enough. The day was already darkening, and so he returned with Feng to where they were staying.

He did not immediately report the intelligence to Luo’er, but rather spent the night organizing it. The next day, the group was officially ready to depart from Bianzhen Town.

The carriage was ready, and after inviting Luo’er and Tangmo to board, the four of them also got on, and the carriage officially left the compound. Beyond the courtyard, in an open space, there were not only townspeople but, surprisingly, also a group of riders from the Wuyun Sect.

Cheng Ziang was somewhat moved by this sight; although they came to preach, they did not manage to preach anything, yet so many people still came to send them off.

"All Manor Lords," the Landlord approached a step with a pained expression and said, "If you do not mind, please stay for a few more days, so we may fulfill our hospitality as hosts."

"Forget it, we cannot bear the Landlord’s warmth," Cheng Ziang said sarcastically, even though it was a public setting.

"This..." Hearing these words, the Landlord showed an embarrassed look and stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Manor Lords," at this moment, an outer disciple of the Wuyun Sect rode up on his horse and, clasping his fists respectfully, said, "The Sect Master has heard of your departure and specially sent us to escort you for part of the way."

"Your Sect Master is very well-informed," Cheng Ziang glanced at him and waved his hand, saying, "But there’s no need; we can take care of ourselves and would not trouble the Wuyun Sect with this."

"Manor Lord," the outer disciple said with his head lowered, a troubled look on his face, "It is the Sect Master’s command, please do not make things difficult for me."

Hearing his words, Cheng Ziang glanced at him, then at the Landlord, and shook his head resignedly, "Alright, lead the way."

"Thank you, Manor Lord, this way, please," the outer disciple said with great relief, hurrying his horse forward.

Cheng Ziang was well aware of the consequences of his action; by doing so, he was publicly declaring that their delegation had officially sided with the Wuyun Sect.

What the landlord and others had done may not all be wrong, but their values were clearly at odds with those of the Advance Team, causing such serious disagreements.

In the end, the Advance Team, born in an enlightened era, was always pursuing order so, in dealing with related issues, they also prioritized maintaining order as their main value orientation.

And given the current state of affairs, these townspeople were obviously disrupting the order, trying to create an area of vacuum, free from order, within the Fengyu Dynasty, which clearly contradicted the values of the Advance Team.

Instead, the Wuyun Sect, which these townspeople regarded as a scourge, were the real upholders of order. They helped the Imperial Court collect taxes, and would even formulate and implement policies that benefited the people, and also provided aid to those in distress on the streets.

In both sense and reason, the Wuyun Sect can hardly be considered the villain. If they were to be deemed so, the justice of this world would seem far too hypocritical.

The economic source of Bianzhen Town is mainly transit trade, frequented by many merchants. Yet, most of these merchants are refined egoists who wouldn’t do anything beneficial for others. They are even reluctant to pay taxes, not to mention doing good deeds.

This is why, after interacting with people from the Wuyun Sect, Cheng Ziang was willing to relax his conditions. While it’s true that the Wuyun Sect’s heavy taxation deserves criticism, doesn’t the townspeople’s aversion to paying taxes at all warrant even more criticism?

The carriage, escorted by the horsemen, officially crossed the stone bridge and set off mightily towards the east.

The group sat in the carriage, chatting intermittently amidst the melodious sound of bells and the bumpy journey. Since they spoke a mix of Chinese and Tasta, they were not worried about being overheard and did not control their volume.

"Yesterday, we captured an informant from the Wuyun Sect for interrogation. He told us that the Wuyun Sect has informants spread throughout this area, mostly locals. Just in Bianzhen Town alone, there are quite a few from the Demon Clan who are informants for the Wuyun Sect," said Cheng Ziang, leaning against the cart.

"Then why didn’t you say so earlier?" Baiyue was startled, rushing over to ask.

"I was sorting the intelligence, planning to share it with everyone today," Cheng Ziang said with a shrug.

"What else do you know?" Baiyue asked curiously.

"I would say that the Wuyun Sect’s actions carry more human touch than those of the townspeople. But still, I don’t think the Wuyun Sect resembles a Cultivation Sect in any way," Cheng Ziang commented.

"Then what do you think they resemble?" Hu Daoke leaned in curiously to ask.

"CIA, KGB, MI6, Mossad..." Cheng Ziang shrugged.

"What do you mean?" Hu Daoke asked blankly.

"Intelligence organizations!" Baiyue pinpointed sharply.

"Ah, you mean the Wuyun Sect is an intelligence organization!" Hu Daoke couldn’t help exclaiming, then quickly shut his mouth and lowered his voice.

After a while, he realized he was speaking in Chinese and did not need to worry about eavesdropping.

"To be precise, it’s an espionage network," Cheng Ziang continued, glancing at the leading horseman before adding, "The outer disciples are akin to agents, the inner disciples to senior agents, and there’s a multitude of informants, equivalent to informants. The Wuyun Sect as a whole exhibits a secular atmosphere, not at all like a sect focused on cultivation as its main purpose."

"Then tell me, if the Wuyun Sect is an espionage network, who do they serve?" Baiyue asked seriously.

"I don’t know?" Cheng Ziang shrugged.

"The Fengyu Dynasty?" As soon as Baiyue spoke, she realized how ridiculous her guess was and couldn’t help but lower her head with a self-deprecating smile.

"No, even if they are an intelligence organization, why can’t they work for themselves? Why would they have to depend on others?" asked Hu Daoke, puzzled.

"Are you an idiot?" Cheng Ziang rolled his eyes and retorted irritably, "Intelligence organizations need to rely on some powerful organization; that’s the purpose of their existence. Who would be so idle to set up an intelligence agency in such a place without funding?"

"But don’t they have tax revenue?" Hu Daoke spread his hands and asked confidently.

"That’s the question, isn’t it? If I could collect taxes, why would I bother with an intelligence agency? Isn’t it better to just collect taxes and cultivate in peace?" Cheng Ziang shrugged.

"Bianzhen Town is the obligatory route from West Outer Heaven into the Fengyu Dynasty; setting up an intelligence agency here clearly has an obvious intent," analyzed Baiyue.

"I always have a bad feeling, that we might be under surveillance until we reach Kyushu. From the moment we were captured by the Wuyun Sect, our movements have been closely monitored by some people. Whatever we do or wherever we go, they know it all," Cheng Ziang said uneasily.