Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 576 Establishing a Powerful Enemy
Since that day, Zhou Baining's visits to the headquarters of the World Society have increased dramatically, almost to the point of a small visit every three days and a large investigation every five days.

She always held the sandalwood guqin that Liang Jin had given her with great care.

Although this zither is not a peerless masterpiece, it already holds extraordinary significance in Zhou Baining's heart.

Even though the Zhou family's treasure trove contained several priceless guqin with superior sound quality, she ignored them.

Every time I step into the headquarters, holding this zither, it's as if I'm holding a pass to get closer to that mysterious and powerful man.

The brilliance in her eyes, the faint smile that unconsciously spread across her lips, and the light, almost flying steps she took each time she left all caught the attention of the crowd.

Even the rough and unruly men in the headquarters could clearly sense the aura emanating from this most beautiful woman in Dongzhou, a completely different aura from before.

It was a complex emotion, a mixture of worship, admiration, dependence, and sweetness, like vines, quietly entwining around the towering iron tower of the Xiong Ba Gang leader.

Deep within the headquarters.

Inside a tower with an excellent view overlooking most of Dongzhou City.

Xie Wuwei, facing Liang Jin who was gazing into the distance from the railing, put on a respectful yet slightly ambiguous smile and cupped his hands, saying:

Congratulations, Senior Brother! Congratulations, Senior Brother!

"It seems that the heart of the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world of Dongzhou has been firmly grasped by my senior brother!"

"It is said that a stunning beauty should be paired with a peerless hero. A man like my senior brother deserves to be accompanied by a beauty like Miss Zhou. It is a match made in heaven and the envy of all!"

He had seen it all clearly these days. Every time Zhou Bai Ning left, her shy yet happy expression and her eyes sparkling clearly showed that she had fallen deeply in love.

Xie Wuwei assumed that Liang Jin's "teaching of the zither" was a flirtatious tactic, with the ultimate goal of taking this stunning beauty into his private possession for his own enjoyment. That is why he offered his congratulations.

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin did not turn around, his gaze remaining fixed on the distant, overcast sky.

His voice was flat and emotionless, revealing no trace of pride, but rather an almost cold pragmatism:

“Miss Zhou is exceptionally talented and has a far-reaching influence; she is of great use to me.”

"My intention is to cultivate her into a trusted confidante, not a plaything in my bed."

He paused, his tone slightly somber:
"When working together in the future, we should pay more attention to our words and avoid making any frivolous remarks, which would only cause trouble and damage our prestige."

Xie Wuwei's smile froze instantly, and a look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

To cultivate him into a trusted confidant?
Not in the income room?

This answer was completely unexpected.

He quickly composed himself, his mind racing, before his expression transformed into even deeper respect. He bowed and said:

"Yes! Your subordinate is foolish and failed to understand your profound meaning, senior brother!"

"Senior brother has lofty aspirations, cares for the world, and is unmoved by personal feelings. Your subordinate admires him greatly!"

His tone was sincere:
"Don't worry, senior brother. I will be careful with my words and actions in the future and will never speak ill of Miss Zhou again."

His heart was indeed stirred.

With a beauty like Zhou Baining, which man could resist her charm?
Liang Jin clearly had it within easy reach, yet he ignored it. His composure and self-control are simply superhuman!
Xie Wuwei quickly figured out the key to it.

A "most beautiful woman in Dongzhou" who remains single and pure is an excellent figurehead for the World Society to unite people and promote good deeds, and has a huge influence.

Once she is taken and her purity is gone, her extraordinary influence will be greatly diminished, and it may even affect the plans of the World Society.

Liang Jin had squeezed Zhou Bai Ning's value to the extreme, suppressing all his instinctive desires for the sake of his grand ambition.

This ability to make choices and calculate left Xie Wuwei feeling ashamed of his own inferiority and filled him with even greater awe.

At this time.

The figure that had been silently standing in the shadows of the corner stepped out.

She was an exceptionally strong woman with dark, shiny skin like refined iron. Her tight-fitting clothes covered her bulging muscles, and her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

It was none other than "Iron Anchor Lady" Lü Chenzhou, who served as the secret liaison between the Iron Dragon Gang and Liang Jin.

Her voice was deep and husky, with the rough quality unique to the sea breeze:

"Boss, the Iron Dragon Gang has sent back a message."

"They were extremely satisfied with the 'generous gift' you provided last time! They exclaimed that the gang leader is incredibly powerful!"

"This raid yielded far more results than expected. The Great Qian Navy suffered heavy losses, and several coastal camps were completely looted."

"Now their appetite has grown even larger. They've set their sights on several other lucrative locations along the southeast coast, hoping that the gang leader can lend a helping hand again and provide relevant defense intelligence."

She deliberately emphasized the words "generous gift," referring naturally to the core defense map of the Great Qian Navy that Liang Jin had leaked to the Iron Dragon Gang.

It turns out that the great victory against the pirates that shook the southeast and caused the imperial court a lot of trouble was actually a grand show orchestrated by the leader of the World Society and a major sea pirate!
Liang Jin seemed to have anticipated this, a cold smile curving his lips.

His decision to send Shi Danqin back to the capital was essentially a trial balloon, intended to test the court's strength and bottom line.

If the imperial court were to strike with overwhelming force against both the World Society and the Iron Dragon Gang simultaneously, it would prove that they still possess formidable strength and should temporarily refrain from confronting them.

Now, the imperial court's choice to appease the Tianxia Society and concentrate its efforts on dealing with the Tiejiao Gang, a strategy of "driving away the tiger to devour the wolf," precisely exposes its internal weakness and predicament.

He was very satisfied with the test results.

Liang Jin slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over Lü Chenzhou, his tone carrying a deliberate distance and a stern, righteous air:
"Our World Association is a righteous organization that gathers the strength of the world to relieve the world's disasters. We do good deeds to help disaster victims and support the country!"

"How can we associate with pirates who kill, rob, and bring disaster to the country and its people?"

"Madam Lü, never mention such things again!"

Lu Chenzhou was taken aback at first, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

To collude with the corrupt?

Wasn't the collaboration not very "pleasant" before?

But she was a perceptive person and instantly understood the deeper meaning behind Liang Jin's words.

The Iron Dragon Gang has made huge profits this time, but they have no gratitude whatsoever. They have not given back a single penny to Liang Jin, who provided crucial intelligence. Instead, they have gone further and made demands again!

This insatiable greed and arrogant attitude of treating Liang Jin as a tool to be manipulated at will has thoroughly enraged this extremely controlling tycoon!

"Yes, Master! I understand!"

Lü Chenzhou immediately bowed and replied:
"As for the Iron Dragon Gang, I will temporarily put aside their unreasonable demands."

She paused, a hint of seriousness flashing in her eyes, and lowered her voice even further:

"However, I have also heard some rumors. It seems that Zheng Jiaogu, the leader of the Iron Dragon Gang, has recently shaken off the entanglement of the severed-handed ghost and has begun to show himself in front of the gang members more often, no longer hiding in the treasure cave."

"This old monster has lived for a very long time, and his martial arts skills are unfathomable, far beyond those of ordinary masters."

"Now that he has regained power, I'm afraid... he's going to stir up even bigger waves on the East China Sea."

Her words carried a hint of barely perceptible apprehension, which was one of the reasons why the Iron Dragon Gang was more confident and assertive when facing Liang Jin.

Zheng Jiaogu's emergence was like a shot in the arm for the Iron Dragon Gang.

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin showed no worry; instead, a flame of excitement ignited in his eyes, like a hunter discovering a beast worth fighting for.

"Oh? Zheng Jiaogu has finally shown his face? Good! Very good!"

He laughed loudly, his laughter filled with domineering confidence and anticipation:
"If the opponent is not strong enough, I will be disappointed."

"Our World Alliance needs a formidable enemy of sufficient strength right now!"

These words left Xie Wuwei and Lü Chenzhou both puzzled.

Strong enemy?

Who would be eager to create a powerful enemy for themselves?

Liang Jin stopped looking at them and walked back to the railing.

Dark clouds rolled across the sky, and a strong wind made his clothes flutter loudly.

He looked down at Dongzhou City, still bearing the scars of disaster but gradually recovering under the governance of the World Society, his voice piercing through wind and rain:
“Look, the floodwaters in the city have been drained, the silt is being cleared, the plague has been brought under control, and the starving people are now fed and clothed… The suffering brought by this natural disaster is being soothed by our own hands.”

"At most a month or so, once the weather clears up, the disaster will be completely over."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone revealing a chilling insight into human nature:

"Why does the World Association exist? It arose from disaster relief! Why do heroes and valiant men from all over the world gather here? It is for the sake of helping those in need and with good intentions!"

"If the disaster is over and the goal is achieved, what foundation will the World Society have left to exist?"

"On what grounds can I, as the leader of this gang, continue to command the heroes?"

Xie Wuwei and Lü Chenzhou were both jolted awake, as if struck by a sudden enlightenment!

They instantly understood what Liang Jin meant.

The day the disaster relief is completed may very well be the beginning of the disintegration of the Tianxia Society!
Even if Liang Jin forcibly maintains order, the morale of the people will inevitably crumble, and the situation will not last long.

An organization that lacks a common goal and external pressure will quickly lose its cohesion.

"Senior brother has great foresight!"

Xie Wuwei's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he replied:
"The World Society urgently needs a new goal to unite people's hearts and minds and maintain its reason for existence!"

Natural disasters are rare, but man-made disasters are everywhere!

"We'll find a target that's powerful enough, evil enough, and capable of inspiring universal hatred!"

His thoughts became clearer, and his tone carried a hint of excitement:
"We have not yet openly rebelled against the court, so the court will not be our open enemy for the time being."

"And pirates, especially notorious sea bandits like the Iron Dragon Gang who wreak havoc in the southeast, are the perfect target!"

"They were greedy by nature, burning, killing, and looting, treating the people like dirt!"

"Since our World Alliance takes 'World' as its name and acts with righteousness and integrity, it naturally has the responsibility and obligation to lead the heroes of the world to jointly punish this villain and protect the peace of this region!"

These words sounded grand and righteous, and were full of appeal.

Xie Wuwei looked at Liang Jin with even deeper admiration.

So this is how far-sighted the gang leader was!

Using formidable enemies as whetstones, the World Society is tempered in the test of blood and fire, truly forging it into a colossal force united from top to bottom with an iron will!

Even if they eventually defeat the Iron Dragon Gang, the World Society will have been transformed and will be able to support even greater ambitions!
Hearing this, Lü Chenzhou's blood boiled, his fists clenched, and his eyes blazed with deep-seated hatred and fighting spirit.
"Chief! If we are to wage war against the Iron Dragon Gang, Chen Zhou is willing to be the vanguard! I will not hesitate to die a thousand deaths!"

The hatred for killing her brothers and destroying her family had long since transformed into a raging inferno in her heart!
Liang Jin turned around, looked at the excited Lü Chenzhou, and revealed a smile that seemed to indicate he had everything under control:

"Don't be hasty in your decision to let the ship sink; that day will come soon."

He offered a reassuring remark, then immediately issued the order:

"But now, you need to secretly return to the Iron Dragon Gang immediately."

"Use your identity to thoroughly investigate the current situation within the Iron Dragon Gang, especially Zheng Jiaogu's true condition, the distribution of its core forces, and... the true nature of the treasure cave!" "Find out every detail!"

Lü Chenzhou accepted the order without hesitation:
"Yes! Chen Zhou obeys!"

As the third young mistress of the Iron Dragon Gang, she was the best candidate to do this, despite the risks involved.

Liang Jin walked to the desk, picked up a thick stack of sealed files, and handed them to Lü Chenzhou:
"Also, doesn't the Iron Dragon Gang want new deployment intelligence? Give it to them."

"I have compiled detailed defense maps of the remaining key garrisons and naval camps along the southeast coast here."

"You, hand it over to them yourself."

Lu Chenzhou took the file, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Although she had not followed Liang Jin for long, she knew that he was by no means a philanthropist who did not seek anything in return.

The previous intelligence service was already a great favor, but the Iron Dragon Gang made no offer and yet demanded it again. Instead of being angry, Liang Jin readily gave it to them.
This unusual behavior instantly alerted her.

Lu Chenzhou had just assumed that the Iron Dragon Gang hadn't given enough of a thank-you gift, which displeased Liang Jin.

However, this is not the case.

A brilliant idea flashed in her mind!
Yes!

The World Society's ambitions lie in the southeast, and even further afield!

Both the Great Qian Navy and the Iron Dragon Gang are obstacles that must be eliminated in the future!
Liang Jin's actions were clearly adding fuel to the fire, letting these two vicious tigers continue their deadly fight and wear each other down, while he reaped the benefits.

This scheming, this ruthlessness... Lu Chenzhou felt a chill run down his spine, but it also strengthened his resolve to follow.

Only a ruthless and powerful figure like him could help her take revenge!

"Understood! I will certainly not fail you!"

Lu Chenzhou asked no more questions, carefully hid the file close to his body, bowed deeply to Liang Jin, turned and strode away, his figure quickly disappearing at the top of the stairs.

Xie Wuwei frowned slightly as he looked in the direction where Lü Chenzhou had disappeared. He walked to Liang Jin's side and whispered:

“Senior brother, this Lü Chenzhou... is, after all, a member of the Iron Dragon Gang.”

"Aren't you...trusting her too much?"

Although Lü Chenzhou had a grudge against the Iron Dragon Gang, the Iron Dragon Gang took her in as a member of their family and even arranged for the gang leader's third son to marry her.

In Xie Wuwei's view, compared to the Iron Dragon Gang's generous treatment, that little bit of grudge was nothing.

If Lü Chenzhou were to reveal the World Society's intentions to the Iron Dragon Gang, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Liang Jin stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable power:
“Don’t trust those you employ, and ignore those you doubt.”

He didn't trust Lü Chenzhou, but rather the system's intelligence.

"By the way, regarding the other matter I entrusted to you, have you made any progress on the whereabouts of the fragments of the Uncorrupted Corpse from the Ruins?"

This is what Liang Jin truly cares about: the growth of that mysterious jade sword.

Upon hearing this, Xie Wuwei's face immediately showed respect and a hint of nervousness, and he quickly bowed and said:
"Reporting to Senior Brother, I have used all available channels and have indeed found some clues!"

"There are several reports of suspected hidden fragments, and we are working hard to verify their authenticity and specific locations."

"Please grant me a few more days, senior brother. I promise I will bring back the first fragment for you!"

His tone was reassuring.

Liang Jin nodded and gave instructions:
"This matter is of great importance and must be handled with utmost care."

"Our first move was to spend a fortune to acquire a horse's bones. We were willing to spend ten or a hundred times more money to do it openly and honestly, so that people could see the sincerity and financial strength of our World Society."

"Once we make a name for ourselves and let the world know that we are willing to pay a high price for this item, there will naturally be a steady stream of people looking for it for us."

Xie Wuwei repeatedly agreed:
"Yes! Your subordinate will remember your teachings, Senior Brother! I would never dare to seize by force or plunder, lest I tarnish your reputation!"

Liang Jin's gaze once again fell upon the gloomy sky in the distance, as if piercing through the clouds to see the vast southeastern land.

Dongzhou was already in his grasp, but how could he be satisfied?
The World Society, with such a magnificent name, how could it be confined to a small corner?
He needs to accumulate greater strength and wait for the best opportunity.

When the Iron Dragon Gang, guided by "new intelligence," once again severely damages the Great Qian Navy and turns the Southeast upside down, that will be the moment when his World Society swallows up the five states of the Southeast and truly becomes famous throughout the world!
at this time.

Below the pavilion.

A stunningly beautiful white figure, like a white magnolia blooming in the rain, reappeared on the stone path leading to the pavilion.

Xie Wuwei, with his sharp eyes, recognized it at a glance, and a knowing smile involuntarily appeared on his face:

"Senior brother, look, Miss Zhou is here again."

"It seems... she even dressed up specially today?"

The person who arrived was Zhou Baining.

She changed into a brand-new moon-white brocade dress with cloud patterns, her hair was carefully styled, and a simple jade hairpin was inserted diagonally. She applied a light layer of powder, which made her skin look even whiter than snow and her eyebrows and eyes look like paintings.

She still held the sandalwood zither in her arms, her steps were light, and her face was filled with undisguised anticipation and joy. She shone brightly in the gloomy weather.

A woman dresses up for the man she loves; in this situation, the reason is all too clear.

"This subordinate takes his leave, lest he disturb Senior Brother's enjoyment any longer."

Xie Wuwei tactfully bowed and quickly retreated from the pavilion.

Liang Jin's gaze fell on Zhou Baining, who was walking gracefully towards him, but his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Zhou Baining has been coming over far too frequently lately.

She came here ostensibly to learn the piano, but her heart had already strayed from it.

We chatted about everyday things, discussed poetry, or even just sat quietly by his side watching him handle official business...

In Liang Jin's eyes, these actions were nothing short of a huge waste of his precious time!
Her passionate devotion is consuming his energy that was previously focused on his career plans.

"We can't let her continue like this..."

Liang Jin coldly calculated in his heart:

"Or, give her more and more demanding tasks, keep her busy, and she won't have time to come here."

"Either I have to make up for the time and energy I wasted by her by converting it into value."

His eyes gleamed with a dark light, like an abyss, and he instantly made up his mind.

At this moment——

"Pullingleng!"

A magnificent, pure white homing pigeon circled once above the headquarters and then swooped down directly toward Linfeng Pavilion!

Liang Jin's gaze sharpened, and with his keen eyesight, he instantly recognized that this was a special carrier pigeon from the Dragon Transformation Gate.

He reached out with his right hand and grabbed at the air!
An overwhelming suction force arose out of nowhere.

The swooping carrier pigeon seemed to have been caught in an invisible vortex, fluttering its wings in panic, but it was powerless to resist and was firmly "grabbed" by this force into Liang Jin's outstretched palm.

With practiced ease, Liang Jin untied the thin copper tube tied to the pigeon's leg and poured out the secret message rolled into a thin strip inside.

The homing pigeons, now free, squawked and took flight.

He unfolded the secret letter, his eyes quickly scanning the delicate yet worried handwriting—it was Han Suyan's handwriting.

The content was almost exactly as he had expected.

The rapid rise of the World Society and its increasing signs of breaking away from the control of the Dragon Transformation Gate finally aroused the vigilance and unease of the sect's higher-ups.

Although the letter was worded in a roundabout way, the intention to summon him back to the island as soon as possible to "report on his duties" and "clarify doubts" was obvious.

"Hmph, they really couldn't sit still."

Liang Jin released a slight burst of internal energy from his palm, and the secret letter instantly turned into countless tiny powders, which scattered with the wind.

He felt no fear.

With Li Xueqing's biggest adversary eliminated, and the elders within the sect still supporting him, it won't be difficult to stabilize the situation once he returns and provides a "reasonable" explanation that can appease people.

The only one we need to be cautious about is the sect leader, Yu Linglong.

In her letter, Han Suyan mentioned that Yu Linglong's longing for the mainland, especially for Dongzhou City, was growing stronger and stronger, to the point that she could hardly contain herself.

"Yu Linglong..."

Liang Jin's eyes darkened slightly.

If she were to personally visit Dongzhou, given her status as sect leader and her unfathomable strength, even unintentionally, she would inevitably weaken his absolute authority in the World Alliance.

It could even affect his entire plan.

"Gang leader?"

A gentle, concerned voice sounded from behind.

Zhou Baining had quietly climbed up to the pavilion and was standing not far away.

She stood gracefully, holding her zither, her beautiful eyes filled with worry.

"You... seem to have something on your mind?"

"But what troubles have you encountered?"

She keenly noticed the fleeting seriousness in Liang Jin's expression just now.

Liang Jin instantly suppressed all outward emotions.

He turned around, his face now bearing that signature gentle smile, a smile that was both rugged and reassuring, as if her earlier coldness had been nothing but her imagination.

His gaze fell on the zither in Zhou Baining's arms, then swept over her meticulously made-up face, and his smile deepened:
"Bai Ning, you've come at the perfect time."

He took a step forward, his tall figure carrying an invisible sense of oppression, yet strangely mixed with a certain attraction.

"I do have something important that I need your help with."

"but……"

He stretched out his fingers and gently stroked the strings of the guqin in her arms, producing a clear and melodious note.

The strings of the zither trembled, and so did Zhou Baining's heartstrings.

His voice was deep and magnetic:
"There's no rush yet."

"Come here, let me see if you've improved the skills you learned last time."

"I'll continue teaching you slowly..."

(End of this chapter)