Emperor of Soul Pets

Chapter 50: Schemes

Hao Residence,

Jiandao.

Within the Hao Residence's living room, Hao Ranhui, general manager of Soul Society's Jiandao Branch, glared at a group of mercenaries as he scolded. "You mean to tell me you haven't located the Eternal Spring yet?"

The mercenary group leader, Kazuki Rainer, shook his head, a grim look in his eyes as he said, "The soul monsters are acting strange. They've been very aggressive in the last few weeks, making our search very difficult. I've already lost twenty men."

"You'll be compensated for your loss." Hao Ranhui noncommittally waved his hand. Who cared if some mercs lost their lives? That was par for the course. "More importantly, is there a specific location where these monsters are acting up? I do not think it's a coincidence that they became aggressive as soon as we started searching for the Eternal Spring."

Kazuki Rainer once again shook his head in frustration. "That's the thing, sir. The monsters spread their aggression over a wide area. The Steelback Apes, Fairies, Dusklight Wolves, and many more are practically chasing out all humans in their territories."

Hao Ranhui gently stroked his beard as he delved deep into thought. "Smart. It's harder for us to pinpoint the exact location with many soul monsters acting up this way. Those beasts should have a tactician on their side."

"I think so too," Kazuki agreed. "There might be an organization manipulating the beasts to monopolize the spring. It won't be easy to uncover them since they have hidden so well for so long."

Hao Ranhui's brows furrowed. "Someone capable of controlling those beasts can't be simple. We might need to call in some help."

"We'll be forced to share the Eternal Spring." Kazuki was in disagreement.

"You've seen those monsters' strength. How many soul trainers in our city are capable of handling 10th Phase monsters?" Hao Ranhui snorted in anger. The man brushed his beard for a few minutes as he pondered how to solve the problem.

"Ah. Why don't we try this." Hao Ranhui's eyes shone as the root of an idea began to form. "We can spread rumors that the monsters are guarding some rare treasure. Greedy mercenaries can then help us sweep through the monsters' territories for free. It may take a few months to one or two years to narrow it down, but it will be worth it."

Kazuki frowned. "Won't this expose the Spring's location?"

Hao Ranhui shook his head. "I assure you, that secret organization will fiercely guard the spring's location. We just have to pay attention to what part of the jungle gets the most protection."

Kazuki nodded, but then asked, "What do we do if the Eternal Spring's location leaks?"

Hao Ranhui sneered. "We might be forced to share a little, but it's worth it as long as we maintain the lion's share. Of course, it would be even better if any potential leakers were eliminated ahead of time."

Kazuki's eyes gleamed with a sinister glint as he nodded and then said, "Understood. I will prioritize eliminating any potential threats."

Hao Ranhui smiled and then took a sip of his tea. "Happy hunting, Kazuki. With any luck, you'll soon return with good news."

Kazuki bowed his head, and then exited the room with his squad.

Left behind, Hao Ranhui clenched his fists as he stared at a map that hung on the wall. "The Eternal Spring is enough to elevate me from a general manager to head of a vast clan. I will not let this opportunity slip through my fingers."

Hao Ranhui loved and hated his job.

Soul Society required its officers in top posts to cut off all ties with their clans. This was to ensure a clan did not abuse Soul Society's influence for personal gains. However, this also left the managers heavily dependent on Soul Society's vast influence. Anyone abandoned or fired by Soul Society was cast to the level of a common vagrant. Without a clan or family, they often found themselves besieged by enemies they made while on the job.