"I'm currently sailing towards Sangguo, and I should arrive in a few hours. I'll tell you the specifics once I get there. For now, I need you to gather all your forces and wait for me on the coastline.
Also, I want all the information you have regarding your communications with Shangguan Zhongtang, as well as any cooperation documents."
"You want my confidential files?" Sakata Chong was clearly surprised that Su Yang would ask for such sensitive documents, and he sounded incredulous.
"Yes, didn't you say I could make additional requests? After you cooperate with me, you can no longer work with Shangguan Zhongtang. Or rather, after this, there will be no more Shangguan Zhongtang.
This won't be difficult for you, but if you give it to me, you'll gain much, much more."
Upon hearing Su Yang's words, Sakata Chong fell silent for a good while.
He seemed to be wrestling with indecision, lost in endless internal debate.
Indeed, this matter was rather unethical.
And people in their line of work, they did possess some sense of righteousness.
But...
In the face of profit, there was no room for such things as righteousness.
Su Yang didn't believe it, and Sakata Chong didn't really believe it either.
As expected, after a moment of hesitation, the person on the other end of the line agreed.
"I know the power of Longguo is immense, and Shangguan Zhongtang holds a very high position there, being one of the nine military commanders. I believe you understand better than I do just how formidable Shangguan Zhongtang is.
I've also obtained some information; you killed Shangguan Zhongtang's only son. Shangguan Zhongtang will not let you off the hook.
He will undoubtedly use all his might to confront you."
Sakata Chong analyzed the situation with Su Yang.
"If I'm not mistaken, this is also why you've come to me for cooperation. You need my strength to deal with Shangguan Zhongtang.
But I'll tell you in advance, I can do this deal with you, but I'm not sure if it will be successful in the end.
Because you should know Shangguan Zhongtang's true capabilities yourself."
Hearing this, Su Yang chuckled softly and said, "I naturally know Shangguan Zhongtang's true capabilities. But I also hope you know that when I confronted Shangguan Zhongtang before, I never lost. Shangguan Zhongtang has failed many times under my hand.
And as you said, I've even killed Shangguan Zhongtang's child. You should be able to gauge my abilities yourself."
Sakata Chong on the other end fell silent.
"Furthermore, I have more than just your force to deal with Shangguan Zhongtang.
I will also mobilize other forces. Shangguan Zhongtang previously dealt with my teacher, and my teacher has not yet fully recovered. I will definitely avenge this.
You just need to do as I ask. Whether or not we can defeat Shangguan Zhongtang is not your concern."
As he spoke, Su Yang's tone became stern.
"Also, you should know that cooperating with me means betraying Shangguan Zhongtang. You are a businessman, and that's understandable. But in certain matters, your actions are quite unethical.
You can treat others that way, but I don't want you to treat me that way.
I truly need your strength right now, but I also hope you understand that if you betray me, I will never let you off."
After saying this, Su Yang waited for Sakata Chong's reply.
Hearing Su Yang's words, Sakata Chong was somewhat taken aback.
In his heart, he felt Su Yang was being a bit of a hypocrite, but he couldn't say it.
"Don't worry. I doubt anyone would offer me more money for a deal. I won't betray you. I'll send you the files shortly and will have all my forces waiting for your arrival as you requested.
But there's one point I must still mention.
Sangguo is not like Longguo. I don't know where you plan to engage in battle, but please try to avoid harming the innocent people of Sangguo..."
Before Sakata Chong could finish, Su Yang interrupted him.
"We're both in the business of slaughter. Stop pretending to be a philanthropist. Even if innocent Sangguo citizens are harmed, so what?"
As he said this, a surge of anger inexplicably rose within Su Yang.
During the great chaos a century ago, when Sangguo invaded Longguo, did they ever consider the innocent people of Longguo?
"A century ago, did you consider our innocent people in Longguo?"
At this point, Su Yang's tone was truly ice-cold.
Sakata Chong understood Su Yang's meaning and knew he was in the wrong.
"My apologies for my presumptuous words. You decide how to proceed."
After speaking, Sakata Chong added, "Also... the deposit..."
Su Yang knew what he meant.
For such a large undertaking, involving a significant mobilization and the betrayal of a former client, it was impossible to act without receiving some benefit upfront.
Su Yang sneered and said, "Send me your account number. I'll give you half of the principal first. That should be enough for you to operate. The remaining money will be given to you in full once the task is accomplished."
Upon hearing this, Sakata Chong quickly agreed. Although he needed to send his account number, Sakata Chong did not hang up the phone. Only after Su Yang's money arrived did Sakata Chong hang up and set about his tasks.
A while later, encrypted files appeared on Su Yang's phone.
Upon opening them, Su Yang casually browsed through the contents.
"Good heavens..."
Looking at what was displayed on his phone, Su Yang was astonished.
"What's wrong, boss?" Yuan Kui, hearing Su Yang's exclamation, walked over to ask what was happening.
Su Yang pursed his lips and said, "I originally thought Shangguan Zhongtang only recently established contact with Sangguo. I didn't expect... Shangguan Zhongtang's connections with Sangguo actually go back over twenty years..."
"Over twenty years ago?" Yuan Kui was also surprised.
Sakata Chong's actions were quite interesting.
Su Yang had initially only wanted Shangguan Zhongtang's recent communications with him. However, Sakata Chong had sent over all of Shangguan Zhongtang's past dealings with the assassination organization, which truly surprised Su Yang.
Even more surprising to Su Yang was that Shangguan Zhongtang had been in contact with members of the assassination organization over twenty years ago.
"Over twenty years ago... if I recall correctly, that was around the time Shangguan Zhongtang was competing for the position of military commander."
Su Yang knew a little about Shangguan Zhongtang. Over twenty years ago, he had competed for the position of military commander with another person. Su Yang had initially thought that person was Shi Wuzun, but it turned out not to be.
"Xie Feng..."
Su Yang murmured the name and then looked behind him, "Jiang Hei, come here."