Chapter 1836 The Iron Triangle
Song Jinbo's words made Meng Chao fall into deep thought.
In his daze, he appeared to see a future of infinite possibilities in the depths of his brain. He also saw a man with white hair and a magnificent aura as well. The man seemed to be wearing luxurious clothes.
From a glance, Meng Chao could tell that the old man possessed both Yun Feidian's ambition and Lu Zhongqi's forbearance. He had the perfectly-combined personality of a sage and a bold man. Hence, he was a natural-born leader and adjudicator.
However, Meng Chao could not shake off the feeling that there was something familiar about the man's eyebrows.
Meng Chao thought about it for a long time, but he could not remember who this person was.
Eventually, he realized that the old man was him, the future version of him.
To be more precise, it was the version of Meng Chao who had married Lu Siya and taken over Sky Pillar Corporation. The corporation had lost Lu Zhongqi and suffered a great loss. Therefore, Meng Chao worked together with Lu Siya to defeat all their competitors in all nine mega corporations. He had become the only person in all the nine mega corporations who could speak on behalf of the superhumans from wealthy families.
"Fool, do you think I have no idea how dangerous the nine great families' abnormal expansion is? Do you think I don't want to help Dragon City remove these nine tumors?"
Meng Chao felt as if he could hear an old version of himself who would become the spokesperson for the rich and powerful in the near future. He shook his head and smiled wryly as he said to his younger self, "Certain things are just impossible to do. It's not that we're giving up, but there are times when a man's power is limited. Whether it's on Earth or in the Other World, there are always things that can never be done. There are always some difficulties that can't be overcome with justice and passion alone. Wishful thinking will only cause more problems or even early destruction!
"Look, look at the chaotic Dragon City outside. Look at what your so-called 'hard work' has turned Dragon City into.
"That's right. Even if I choose to make peace with the nine great families and become a part of them, I still won't be able to stop the destruction from coming. But at least, that will only be an issue decades down the line.
"What about you? Can you lead Dragon City to overcome the crisis before us?
"Or are you saying that you'll destroy Dragon City with your own hands before the apocalypse in a few decades?"
The old Meng Chao's questioning became more intense, and his laughter grew sharper.
In fact, Meng Chao could even smell the nauseating stench of a corpse on him.
Just then, ten thousand exploding suns surged out from behind the old Meng Chao. The raging flames that were comparable to a vast ocean burned him and the future he belonged to into ashes.
The cold, piercing, and nauseating laughter continued to echo in Meng Chao's mind, and it caused a strong stimulation to his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.
Meng Chao punched the air and shattered the upsetting illusion.
"There has to be a better solution," Meng Chao mumbled to himself.
"Whether it's the crisis we're facing now or the apocalypse in a few decades, Dragon City will undoubtedly pull through!"
He took a deep breath, and his gaze became sharp again.
"Help me find a way to contact the Ordinary People's Committee. Tell them that since I have the power to stop the Blood Alliance's scheme, I'll definitely investigate the case to the end. I'll give the ordinary citizens in the city a satisfactory answer before noon tomorrow."
Meng Chao looked at Song Jinbo. "But before that, I hope they're clear-headed enough to realize how terrifying the power they're trying to trigger and exploit is. I also hope that they're capable enough to exercise this power within the boundaries of the law.
"They shouldn't expect to be exempted from any crimes just because they're ordinary citizens!"
Song Jinbo nodded.
"I understand. With your words, the situation should at least be under control until noon tomorrow," Song Jinbo said.
"The Azure Alliance will also do its best to cool down the situation and maintain order.
"I'm also hoping that we can send a warning to the nine great families through the official channels of the Azure Alliance."
Meng Chao said. "Even though their operation to surround Thundercloud Technology's headquarters and attack Dragon City University was a little extreme, they still deserve an explanation for what happened. Justice is in everyone's heart!
"Right now, the nine mega corporations and the nine cultivation families have all reached an important crossroads. Their every move may decide the rise and fall of their families!
"I hope that the nine great families will calm down, listen to the voices of the ordinary citizens, and respond to their demands. I hope that they'll think about their way of living and consider sharing with the ordinary citizens in the decades to come. That way, their interests and lives would be closely tied together!
"If, and I'm saying if, their thoughts and responses still don't satisfy the ordinary citizens and even intensify their conflict, I can only stand by the ordinary citizens' side unwaveringly!
"I believe the nine great families should understand what I'm trying to say."
"Alright, I'll express your thoughts to the nine great families through the official channels of the Azure Alliance."
Song Jinbo paused for a moment, then said, "However, this is a serious matter. Aren't you going to make a personal appearance?"
"I have more important things to do," Meng Chao replied.
"I'm going to the Supernatural Tower to extend Battle God Lei Zongchao an invitation. At this point, only the legendary Battle God has enough prestige to placate the nine great families, the Azure Alliance, and ordinary citizens simultaneously!"
Song Jinbo's eyes lit up, and he nodded in agreement.
Indeed, no matter how dazzling Meng Chao's performance was, he lacked experience and a solid foundation. That was not enough for him to intimidate all sides, considering the complicated relationships and forces of power involved.
Battle God Lei Zongchao was the "greatest common denominator" in Dragon City.
Even the most unruly elders in the nine great families, who had no respect for others, needed to be respectful when they saw Lei Zongchao.
Of course, the Battle God was no longer the number one warrior in Dragon City in terms of absolute martial arts strength.
However, in order to resolve the current chaos and crisis in Dragon City, martial arts strength was far from the most important thing.
Besides, even if they were to talk about absolute martial arts strength, there was still Meng Chao. Was he not in his prime and peak physical condition, unafraid of fighting anyone to the death?
They had Lei Zongchao and Meng Chao.
In fact, Lei Zongchao, Meng Chao, and Lu Siya were all present.
They formed an "iron triangle" that had both prestige and martial arts strength. They could reach the people's hearts and mingle with the ordinary citizens but still retain the channel of negotiation and cooperation with the nine great families. Perhaps, it was the best combination for solving this crisis and leading Dragon City forward.