Chapter 651 - 383: Removing the Ladder, Inviting You Upstairs to Plot

He Kao today deliberately revealed his identity as Hidden Moth, engaging in a moment of "being frank," waiting specifically for this sentence. He immediately extended a hand to support Hu Weidong and said, "To figure out what to do, first we must clarify what both parties want in this bet..."This statement is quite interesting; first, about the Stone Gang. What they want is nothing more than two words—independence.

The Luoshan Family only wants to maintain its own independence as much as possible, including the independence of internal affairs within the district and the Shi Clan. More importantly, they want independence in the inheritance of technique.

The problem is that the Xiao Alliance is unwilling to agree to this condition, forcing the Stone Gang to adopt a stance of preferring to be shattered jade rather than whole tiles. A battered and broken street is not what the Xiao Alliance desires.

So, what does the Xiao Alliance actually want?

The Xiao Alliance demands to take over the Stone District, with all sorcerers joining the Xiao Alliance and accepting scattered assignments. This is akin to devouring the decade-long achievements of the Luoshan Family and the Stone District tens of thousands of people in one bite.

Though this achievement superficially seems not greatly valuable to the Xiao Alliance, merely adding a few industries to a district, without the management of the Stone Gang, the district might fall into decline once more.

In the North America where the Xiao Alliance is located, many districts are either in a state of decline or about to decline.

What the Xiao Alliance truly wants, in fact, is the talent and experience of the Stone District. Reviving a declining district to vitality signifies an enormous increase in value of the associated assets. It is the talent team and core experience that are the most coveted resources of the Xiao Alliance.

This model might be difficult to replicate, but what if it’s possible? Even if not entirely replicable, just limited absorption and promotion are valuations impossible to measure.

So, the main purpose of the Xiao Alliance is actually to "learn" from the Stone Gang. Yet their "learning" approach involves bullying and coercion, forcing the other party to hand over the resources they hold willingly...

Hu Weidong, of course, also understands and can’t help but sigh, "Actually, what the Xiao Alliance desires most is the ability of the Stone Gang to manage the district.

Arthur and those people probably consider that once they possess this ability, they can replicate the scenery of the Stone District in many other places, creating their own legacy base for the Xiao Alliance.

However, to achieve their goals, the method is not the only one; they could also dispatch a team for investigation and learning, in order to master the experience and nurture their own talent... I believe the other party’s reaction wouldn’t be as intense."

He Kao pursued the question, "Can those in the Xiao Alliance learn effectively?"

Hu Weidong shook his head, "Learning the surface is easy, mastering the essence is difficult. Many things are not tied to magic cultivation but truly depend on the attitude toward public governance.

The premise of transforming the world is transforming the worldview; since you and I come from the Eastern Country, some matters need not be elaborated."

He Kao nodded slightly and said, "However, Senior Brother Hu’s suggestion is not impossible to achieve. It’s about deploying a group within the Stone District to study and learn through participating in construction.

The key to such a project is who within the Xiao Alliance will take the lead.

This leader will become the protector of the Stone Gang within the Supreme Council; meanwhile, the Stone Gang will become their external cooperative force.

Whether the Stone District’s model can be replicated in the future remains uncertain, but they can at least cultivate a team that belongs to them."

Hu Weidong’s eyes brightened, "Do you mean—me?"

He Kao remained silent but silently sent forth a measure of divine thought.

Hu Weidong was slightly surprised and asked again, "Is this possible?"

He Kao warmly patted his shoulder, a gesture somewhat out of bounds, but Hu Weidong appeared unfazed.

He Kao continued, "As long as Senior Brother Hu recognizes this plan, I can implement arrangements with Elder Kang Rulin through the Ancestral Hall."

Hu Weidong remained silent for nearly ten seconds before finally speaking, "If the Supreme Council today indeed decides to have me take action, I will wait for the news from Junior Brother Huo Qing’s implementation."

He Kao: "If the one acting is Senior Brother Hu, I will execute this. If the one acting is not you, then treat the previous conversation as if it didn’t happen."

With the main discussion finally concluded, as for what plan He Kao conveyed to Hu Weidong, no outsider knows.

He Kao switched to a lighter topic and said, "Your two children are going to study in the Eastern Country in the second half of the year; are you also planning to take a trip there to send them off to school?"

Hu Weidong: "I indeed have such plans."

He Kao: "Your two Pure Yang pills and accompanying Peonies are still in my care. If you need to take pills on this trip and intend to arrange a Tai Chi Yin Yang Array as an aid, you can ask me for help."

Hu Weidong: "Thank you in advance, Junior Brother. If needed, I will certainly look to you for assistance."

He Kao: "Your younger son is named Hu Henry, correct? I heard he’s already eighteen, having practiced Foundation Establishment Skills from a young age, with a solid foundation, yet hasn’t formally cultivated any technique or joined the Xiao Alliance. Do you think he has any interest in the Insect Concealment Skill?"

In the Illusion Realm He Kao experienced, Hu Weidong took the initiative to request his son to apprentice under the Hidden Moth Sect. Yet, in reality, it was He Kao who proactively spoke, expressing a desire to take on a disciple.

Hu Weidong was evidently surprised again, hesitating momentarily before responding, "If Sect Leader Huo Qing has shown such goodwill, I would of course welcome it. However, the apprenticeship ceremony depends on karma; not sure if my son will have this fortune."

He Kao smiled and nodded, "Certainly it relies on karma; the entry level for the Hidden Moth Skill is quite high and unique, needing suitable aptitude and respecting Hu Henry’s personal wishes."

Hu Weidong suddenly addressed He Kao as Sect Leader Huo Qing as a form of probe, to which He Kao calmly accepted the title. Hu Weidong also hurriedly said, "The fate of apprenticeship should be considered after handling the bet."