Transmigration To Magus World-Chapter 110: Advancing by Retreating

The autumn moon shone brightly, casting shadows of swaying trees and illuminating the rippling waters. The autumn lake reflected the light of the glass lanterns from Vera Pavilion.

Aizen sat in the principal seat of the hall, perched on a grand rosewood chair adorned with a thick tiger pelt. Behind him stood a folding screen depicting a tiger descending a mountain, adding a touch of authority to his presence.

"So, according to you, the share of resources our Heavenly Demon Clan can access in Great Plain City is the smallest? The Overseas Hundred Alliances and Turtle Stone Ridge have already carved out nearly 80% of the pie, leaving us with only 20%?"

Aizen Spoke as he lightly tapped his finger on the armrest of the chair, appearing deep in thought. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Seated upright on either side of him were two individuals: the towering nine-foot William and the suave Vincent.

William, hearing this, looked a bit embarrassed. "Reporting to Aizen Consul, we currently hold two taverns, one brothel, and three casinos in the inner city. Members of our sect can also collect minor tribute fees from street vendors along East Street. However, our people are often suppressed when it comes to lucrative jobs like unloading and inspecting goods at the docks...

"Such things were different when Senior Brother Chen and Senior Sister Simone were still around. Back then, we had a voice and some competitiveness. But ever since those two left and never returned, the other two factions have only intensified their pressure.

"Our current situation is quite unfavorable. However, now that you, Aizen Consul, are here, you will surely restore the prestige of our Heavenly Demon Clan."

Aizen paid no attention to William’s flattery. His expression remained neutral as he continued to tap the chair’s armrest, lost in thought.

The atmosphere grew heavy. Aizen’s silence kept the other two from daring to speak out of turn.

Aizen had already thought of some methods to break the current deadlock.

Although the Heavenly Demon Clan was at a disadvantage, this also presented an opportunity. By strategically retreating without leaving a trace and advancing through calculated withdrawal, they could temporarily extricate themselves from this chaotic situation.

This retreat would inevitably shrink their territory and resources further, but it would also weaken the vigilance and greed of the Overseas Hundred Alliances and Turtle Stone Ridge toward them.

This strategy involved moving from the open into the shadows, disappearing from the enemy’s sight and lying in wait.

While their resources were minimal, their strength was not necessarily weak. By retreating, the Overseas Hundred Alliances and Turtle Stone Ridge would no longer covet them with greedy eyes.

After all, no one wants to pursue a thankless task that yields no benefits.

As a result, the majority of resources would remain in the hands of the Overseas Hundred Alliances and Turtle Stone Ridge.

If either faction wanted to expand further, they would inevitably turn on each other.

Although they might exercise some restraint to guard against a counterattack from the Heavenly Demon Clan, it would be impossible for them to coexist peacefully simply out of caution.

Within this dynamic, some minor manipulations could stir up greater conflict.

After all, overt actions are difficult to execute, while covert ones are much easier to achieve.

"Well, I understand the situation now. William, you may leave for now," Aizen said, lifting a teacup and taking a sip before waving dismissively.

"Then I will take my leave. Aizen Consul, please rest well."

William bowed deeply, his face ingratiating, and then turned to leave without so much as a glance at Vincent.

William was a clever man. He knew when to act deaf, blind, or mute.

When someone masters these three traits, they can survive anywhere.

"Junior Brother Vincent, if I were to temporarily leave Great Plain City, would you be able to hold onto the seat beneath you?"

Once William left, Aizen turned his gaze to Vincent, smiling faintly.

"Senior Brother, you plan to leave?" Vincent’s eyes flashed as if he had realized something. Smiling, he nodded. "Rest assured, Senior Brother. Since you’ve placed me in this position, I’ll ensure it remains secure. I won’t disappoint you."

"Sometimes, retreating a step is better than advancing recklessly with a roar. Let go when it’s time to let go. Strike decisively when it’s time to act. Go, Great Plain City will surely have a place for you."

Aizen rose and walked toward the side room.

Vincent, thoughtful, cupped his hands in salute and departed.

After spending a night at Vera Pavilion with three maidens attending to him closely, Aizen gathered everyone the next morning. He announced that he had received an urgent message from the Clan via carrier pigeon and had to leave immediately to complete an important mission. He assured them that once the mission was completed, he would return to oversee affairs in Great Plain City.

Aizen also instructed that during his absence, they were to avoid any conflict with the Overseas Hundred Alliances and Turtle Stone Ridge, focusing instead on retreating and fortifying their position. Once he returned, he would reorganize the situation.

This series of announcements left the gathered crowd dumbfounded.

Some people were internally seething, cursing furiously.

"You!" they thought. "Yesterday, you were injuring people and using intimidation tactics to establish control. You scared us all out of our wits. And today? Today you drop this bombshell, eliminating a powerful figure, propping up a ’pushover,’ and then washing your hands of the whole situation? Now you expect us to clean up this mess while you leave to play the hero elsewhere, only to return later and pick up where you left off? This is outrageous!"

Some even felt like crying but had no tears. Their gaze naturally turned to Johnny, hoping he might say something.

But Johnny, hearing Aizen’s words, was overjoyed. Why would he want Aizen to stay?

As for William and Vincent, particularly Vincent, he already understood Vincent’s intentions. All he needed to do was cooperate and play his part in this unfolding plan. What others thought or said no longer mattered to him.

Now, in this seemingly disadvantageous situation, whether the tides would turn depended entirely on whether Aizen’s hidden maneuver would ultimately succeed and reinvigorate their position.

Aizen’s arrival had not been particularly flashy, but his departure was intentionally ostentatious.

Riding a fine steed named Flame Tail , Aizen left the city in a whirlwind. The snow-white horse with a striking orange-red tail galloped like a blazing flame, moving at incredible speed, as if rushing to attend to urgent business.

The sight of Aizen riding Flame Tail was witnessed by many, and such a majestic steed was not one that an ordinary person could possess.

This deliberate display was sure to catch the attention of other factions’ leadership.

If the plan was to retreat, it needed to look convincing. Otherwise, how could they effectively shift to working in the shadows?

Not long after Aizen’s departure, Johnny regained his swagger, looking down his nose at Vincent.

Had it not been clear that Aizen would eventually return after completing his mission, Johnny would have taken the opportunity to deal harshly with Vincent.

Even so, the coming days would not be easy for Vincent.

At the very least, his position as deacon would not be secure without facing considerable challenges.