159: Chapter 159 How about this, I'll take over your territory?

Hearing Gu Changming's words, Su Wan looked over in surprise, not expecting him to be interested in such things.

She paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Of course."

If she could even bring a "little trash" like Lin Jianqiu to the meeting, bringing Gu Changming along was naturally no problem.

Moreover, Fang Shouzheng was very keen on recruiting Gu Changming into their Stronghold, so this was a good opportunity.

"Thanks," Gu Changming replied.

"However..." Su Wan hesitated for a moment before warning him, "This meeting might involve some conflict."

"Hmm?" Gu Changming looked at her inquisitively.

Su Wan explained briefly, "Before the Assessment, Fang Shouzheng proposed integrating the entire Stronghold to establish a formal 'Council.' Now that the Assessment is over, this meeting is meant to officially push that forward."

She rubbed her brow, her tone tinged with helplessness. "But... those regional managers aren't exactly pushovers. Integrating will definitely affect their territories and interests, so pushing it through... likely won't be smooth. It's quite troublesome."

She was actually on Fang Shouzheng's side; consolidating power and resources would be beneficial for the Stronghold's long-term development.

But just because she thought so didn't mean others would.

They were used to being kings of their own hills; who would be willing to hand over their power?

Listening to Su Wan's explanation, Gu Changming became thoughtful.

As Xinhuo Stronghold was one of the major human Strongholds in his past life, Gu Changming naturally understood its organizational structure.

It was exactly as Su Wan had said: power was concentrated in the Council, which was composed of powerful Ability Users or organizers who controlled Battle Groups and governed regions.

This model had its pros and cons, which Gu Changming didn't bother to delve into.

However, in his memory, this organizational structure only took shape near the end of the early period. It was only after Xinhuo Stronghold suffered a major blow during that specific Assessment that they learned their lesson and forcefully pushed it through.

Now? They would probably continue to drag their feet.

It wasn't until that Assessment arrived and nearly destroyed the entire Stronghold that Fang Shouzheng gained the capability and determination to push through reforms across the Stronghold.

Only then did Xinhuo Stronghold truly begin to develop, becoming one of the major Strongholds protecting human survival.

Gu Changming blinked. Well... maybe he should lend a hand to speed things up.

Consolidating the entire Stronghold earlier would certainly benefit human development.

"Let's go." Su Wan brushed away the fatigue from her face and smiled at him. "I'll take you to see how those 'big shots' in our Stronghold slam tables and argue."

...

Inside the top-floor conference hall of the Central District, the atmosphere was somewhat stagnant.

Skinny Monkey Man had his feet propped up on the table, his chair creaking as he swayed.

He squinted at the empty seat where Su Wan usually sat and curled his lip.

"Late again. Who does she think she is, making us wait for her every single time?"

At these words, the other regional managers around the round table exchanged glances. Although they didn't chime in, their faces showed varying degrees of impatience.

Fang Shouzheng sat at the head of the table, his brow slightly furrowed as he gestured for calm.

"Don't be impatient, she's almost here."

Skinny Monkey Man wanted to say more, but before he could speak, footsteps echoed from outside the door.

Everyone's eyes instantly snapped toward the entrance.

Su Wan walked in first, with Lin Jianqiu following behind her.

But immediately after, a third figure stepped into the conference hall.

The moment they saw Gu Changming, the eyes of almost everyone at the round table flickered.

Why is there another one?

When Su Wan brought Lin Jianqiu before, they had tolerated it, as she was also a C-rank and Su Wan's little sidekick.

But now, there was another new face. Did she really think this Council meeting place was her own territory?

Fang Shouzheng, upon seeing Gu Changming enter, immediately nodded in greeting.

Su Wan had sent him a message before bringing Gu Changming, so he wasn't surprised.

The lateness was also due to this; he had asked Su Wan to take Gu Changming for a tour of the nearby bustling commercial district to see if they could entice him to stay.

After the nod, Fang Shouzheng immediately ordered a subordinate standing by the door, "Go, bring another chair."

As Fang Shouzheng's voice fell, the expressions of the dozen or so regional managers around the round table underwent subtle changes.

The more subtle ones just shifted their eyes, feeling somewhat displeased.

Those with more direct reactions, like Skinny Monkey Man, turned their entire upper bodies around.

His gaze swept over Fang Shouzheng, then landed on Su Wan and Gu Changming, followed by a snort from his nose:

"What? Another person joining?"

His words weren't very explicit, but everyone present understood.

What? On what grounds does he get to take a seat?

Every single person sitting here was a boss in charge of a region.

They could ignore Lin Jianqiu, since she just waited behind Su Wan.

But this guy comes in and immediately gets a seat?

Who does he think he is?

As soon as Skinny Monkey Man finished speaking, Su Wan's eyes turned slightly cold.

She turned her head toward him, her tone still soft:

"How about this: I take over your territory. That way, we won't need to add a seat."

Hearing this, even Gu Changming was a bit surprised. It was the first time he had seen such a badass side of Su Wan; she was actually quite cool.

Skinny Monkey Man was instantly choked up, his face stiffening.

In terms of individual strength, he was no match for Su Wan; in terms of the number and strength of his subordinates and the scale of the territory he controlled, he was even further behind.

If she weren't worried about the repercussions, Su Wan really could swallow his territory and kick him out of Xinhuo Stronghold.

But he quickly thought of a countermeasure and turned to the others at the round table, raising his voice:

"Everyone, did you hear that? Su Wan is openly tearing up the peace agreement we settled on and wants to move against me!"

He clamored to bolster his courage, "Come on! Do it! I'd like to see if everyone helps you or me when the time comes!"

Currently, the various factions in Xinhuo Stronghold were in a delicate balance. If Su Wan really dared to move against him...

To prevent Su Wan from becoming too dominant, the others would definitely intervene to stop her from annexing him. Otherwise, when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold—it would be their turn sooner or later.

This strategy quickly took effect.

A capable-looking woman spoke up, "Just for one seat, you're going to push things to the point of war? Su Wan, there must be a limit to how much you protect your own people."

As soon as she said this, someone immediately followed up:

"His questioning isn't wrong either. This friend has made no contribution to the Stronghold, so why should he sit on equal footing with us as soon as he arrives?"

The atmosphere instantly became tense, as if the air had frozen.

Fang Shouzheng felt a faint throbbing in his temples. He rubbed them, feeling a massive headache coming on.

Su Wan pursed her lips and was about to speak, but Gu Changming pressed his hand on her shoulder and stepped forward.

This action instantly drew the attention of everyone present.