These past years, Lei Wuye seldom showed his face, spending most of his time at his seaside fishing estate, living as if he were in seclusion.

It appeared tranquil, as if he were a hermit detached from worldly concerns, but in reality, his desire for power had not diminished in the slightest.

From his picturesque hideaway, he still remotely controlled the operations of his industries, issuing commands and making judgments. It was as if visible shackles had transformed into invisible reins, entwined around the neck of every person who worked in the shadows.

The last time he appeared was several months ago, during the inauguration ceremony of the new Governor. At that time, Mr. Lei Wuye, representing the citizens, shook hands with the Governor, smiling harmoniously on camera.

But in such a short time, he had been admitted to the ICU.

This was utterly unbelievable at first.

Yet as incredible as it was, it seemed somewhat believable.

What was even more bizarre was that such critical news had somehow spread like wildfire!

Overnight, everyone knew, causing panic and chaos with rumors that Lei Wuye was dying.

Logically speaking, he was an old man; his death shouldn't be such a big deal, right?

After all, Lei Wuye had toiled in the dark side of Cliff City for many years, and it would be laughable to say he was known for his charitable deeds. His life was full of sins; though not brimming with evil, he certainly deserved death.

After finishing her edamame, Wen Wen had already waved for someone to open champagne to celebrate.

His death was a glorious one, deservedly so!

It's almost like a triumph!

Even if he didn't die, if one day Wen Wen couldn't stand it anymore and slammed the door to resign, she might just go and pop that old man like bubble wrap to vent her frustrations.

Alas, he wouldn't be the only one destined to die.

With one giant fall, life burgeons anew—a true virtuous cycle. Yet such a blessing for future generations is a feat few can achieve.

And for some festering tumors exuding malodorous stench, once burst, they would only spread pus and maggots everywhere, causing disgust.

This was why Division One called Division Two.

With the head of the Security Bureau out, Tong Shan, the councilor from Division One, and the vice head, who was often away, running god-knows-where, all power had effectively fallen into Tong Shan's hands. Now, this eldest legitimate son of the Tong family from Cliff City had practically become the acting head of the Security Bureau.

After the call, starting tomorrow, Wen Wen would have to start making rounds, as was customary, to put every important figure of all the societies in the Northern Mountain District in check—advising them not to stir too much trouble, as dirty laundry aired in public would make no one look good.

The Federation boasts nineteen major cities, each with its own hierarchy and wealth.

Cliff City, situated in the southernmost part of the Federation, might have average local industries, but the profits from import-export trade could sustain countless parasites.

Electronics, weapons, luxury goods, and even prohibited drugs...

Just imagine, along these many coastal villages and hidden harbors – what vast interests were hidden? It was like a flowing river of gold enticing many.

With one Lei Wuye gone, another would inevitably step forward.

But why couldn't the next Lei Wuye be oneself?

As an organization covering the dark facets across the globe, Desert Market's complexity and magnitude need no mention, with twelve chiefs commanding from high above, like dragons maneuvering clouds and rain, making all snakes bow in allegiance.

As much as many dare not even dream of ascending and transforming like such dragons, the position of the snake is tangibly powerful and enticing enough to cloud one's mind.

The head of Desert Market was indeed the local bigwig.

The spokesperson on the dark side of Cliff City.

Officially, he was there to maintain justice and prevent conflicts from escalating beyond control.

After all, the chiefs couldn't possibly fuss over whether it was appropriate for an extra street in Cliff City to have a new signage every day.

Those who became chiefs were either the incredibly strong White Deer Celestials of their time, or the hidden bosses coordinating multiple districts or cities, or even the uncrowned kings who controlled the shipping routes between the Thousand Islands, capable of easily bankrupting a small nation...

Being a chief was backbreaking work both before and after attaining the position – wouldn't it be pointless to hold such a role if it only brought toil?

Hence, local councilors emerged as necessary agents in such contexts.

Equivalent to general managers of the local departments of Desert Market.

In Desert Market, they were below the chiefs, but in Cliff City, they were indisputably supreme.

With smart use of this power and status, even an unarmed person could subdue the mighty dragons and settle all overstepping battles in the underworld.

Not to mention the now-digitalized wealth and almost boundless authority.

Generally, such a critical position, even if met with unforeseen circumstances, would have a successor lined up.

But strangely enough, this old dog, Lei Wuye, had adopted fourteen godsons and goddaughters in his lifetime, assigning each a role and then letting them keep each other in check, allowing him peace of mind.

After all, the way of the White Deer was such: loyal dogs were abundant, but so were ungrateful wolves; it was not uncommon for subordinates to usurp their leader once their power grew, and paying homage to numerous secondary bosses was futile.

He had played the game too well, so much so that with his hands off, no one could control the entire situation, leading to total disarray. Over years of conflicts and the rifts they caused, they now viewed each other as mortal enemies.

Now, Lei Wuye isn't even dead yet—merely lying in the ICU—and the great empire he built is already beginning to crumble and is on the verge of internecine strife.

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