Chapter 167: Is It Really Appropriate for the Young Master to Go With Me?

Chapter 167: Is It Really Appropriate for the Young Master to Go With Me?

Giant River City, Government Office.

Ji Shilong listened to Luo Shuanghan's report, his expression turning rather strange.

With his hands behind his back, he paced slowly in the courtyard, his footsteps becoming increasingly urgent.

Luo Shuanghan felt as though those footsteps were echoing in his heart, making him even more uneasy.

"Unexpected... truly unexpected..."

"The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor."

"Not only that, but Shen Mo also defeated Zhang Mo openly in front of everyone."

"This is simply unbelievable."

A sharp glint flashed in Ji Shilong's eyes.

He suddenly realized that the chess piece known as Shen Mo had exceeded his expectations.

"What a surprise, what a delightful surprise."

Ji Shilong thought for a moment, "However, it doesn't really matter if the Qingxuan Sect takes the place of the Heavenly Water Sect."

"The Heavenly Water Sect is a tempting cake; every sect wants a piece of it."

"There will always be those who grow greedy, those who eye the pot while eating from their bowl, and those whose desires are never satisfied."

"But this is still too slow, and the intensity won't increase quickly enough."

Luo Shuanghan respectfully asked, "My lord, what would you like me to do?"

Ji Shilong smiled faintly. "There are two pieces of information that you can leak."

"First, the mountain array of the Zhongding Sect from back then has appeared near Rising Sun Mountain, with records from the Zhongding Sect as evidence."

"Second, the exact location of the third Earth Fire Furnace of the Zhongding Sect is most likely near Heavenly Water City, Huangyu City, or Tang'an City."

"Once these two pieces of information are spread, the Five Sects of Xuanjiang will inevitably clash."

Luo Shuanghan was slightly shocked. "The Zhongding Sect... is that the same Zhongding Sect that ruled Xuanjiang Prefecture a thousand years ago?"

Ji Shilong nodded. "Precisely."

"The mountain array of the Zhongding Sect mysteriously disappeared, and the third Earth Fire Furnace has never been found."

"These two items are peerless treasures. Once the information is out, cultivators will flock to investigate, and even the Five Sects of Xuanjiang won't be able to stay uninvolved."

Luo Shuanghan looked at Ji Shilong with reverence. "Lord Governor, this move is truly ruthless."

"With such benefits in front of them, they won't be able to stay on the sidelines or strengthen themselves secretly."

"They will have to use every ounce of their strength to fight until they've exhausted every last drop of blood."

"We can then recruit and rope in more people, further expanding the power of the government office."

Ji Shilong smiled faintly.

This was precisely the outcome he desired.

The strength of the Five Sects of Xuanjiang was on par with each other. They would fight to the death.

Ideally, they would tear each other apart.

This way, he could use their conflict to his advantage, sowing discord and gradually wearing down all the sects.

Eventually, the imperial court would be able to take control of Xuanjiang Prefecture effortlessly and without resistance.

Previously, he had intervened in the conflict between the Qingxuan Sect and the Heavenly Water Sect, changing their brutal battle into a life-and-death duel, hoping to recruit the Heavenly Water Sect for his own use.

He just hadn't expected Zhang Mo to be so incompetent, losing his life to Shen Mo.

...

Divine Sword City.

Sect Master's Courtyard.

"...Master, that's how it was."

"You weren't there to see it, but the duel between Shen Mo and Zhang Mo was spectacular. It got my blood boiling, and I wished I could have joined in!"

Zhou Qingcang's face was full of excitement.

Luo Chaotian's eyes flashed with a hint of strangeness.

However, he concealed it well, and Zhou Qingcang didn't notice.

"Not bad. Your friend lives up to his name; he's truly a genius."

"Moreover, having slain Zhang Mo, he now possesses the qualifications to challenge the other four sect masters."

"This man is truly extraordinary."

Luo Chaotian smiled.

Zhou Qingcang was even happier upon hearing this.

"Then, I will continue my training!" He bowed deeply to Luo Chaotian and quickly left.

Luo Chaotian's eyes turned cold.

"Interesting. I didn't expect such a variable to appear."

"This Shen Mo has boundless potential and cannot be underestimated."

"It seems the pace of unifying Xuanjiang Prefecture must be accelerated. I must strengthen the Divine Sword Sect as soon as possible."

He frowned in deep thought, his mind racing with countless ideas.

*...*

Zhang Mo is dead!

The Heavenly Water Sect is now leaderless!

The Qingxuan Sect is highly likely to reclaim its position among the Five Sects of Xuanjiang!

The Demon Armor is Shen Mo, and Shen Mo is the Demon Armor!

These pieces of news swept across Xuanjiang Prefecture like a storm.

Cultivators in the neighboring Jiande and Jinshan Prefectures also heard about it.

In just a few days, the name Shen Mo had spread throughout Xuanjiang, north to south.

People chatted eagerly about the life-and-death duel on Tiger Head Mountain over tea and meals.

*...*

Qingxuan Sect, Bamboo Tree Courtyard.

Shen Mo looked inward at his status panel and noticed some small changes.

"The Divine Sword Sect's unification of Xuanjiang Prefecture has been accelerated."

"Clearly, my actions have influenced the predetermined fate, causing Luo Chaotian to feel threatened and pick up the pace."

Shen Mo pondered.

This was expected.

If Luo Chaotian had no reaction at all, then the Divine Sword Sect's master would not be living up to his reputation.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

At this moment, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Shen Mo asked casually.

"Young Master, it's me, Xiao Fan."

"Oh? Come in." Shen Mo raised an eyebrow.

The courtyard gate opened, and Xiao Fan walked in respectfully, showing no arrogance.

"Elder Xiao, what brings you here?" Shen Mo smiled while discreetly assessing Xiao Fan's status panel.

Xiao Fan cupped his hands. "The Heavenly Water Sect is now scattered, and various sects are pouncing on its territories like starving tigers."

"The wealthiest area of the Heavenly Water Sect is the triangular region formed by Heavenly Water City, Tang'an City, and Huangyu City, known for its abundant resources."

"According to reports, the Divine Sword Sect has already taken Huangyu City, while the Thunderfire Sect has captured Tang'an City. As for Heavenly Water City, it's currently divided among various forces and in utter chaos."

"Additionally, the temperature around Heavenly Water City has recently soared, with rumors suggesting that the Zhongding Sect's third Earth Fire Furnace is located in that region."

"I wish to serve the sect and obtain this treasure for its benefit."

"I was about to volunteer to the Sect Master and request a transfer to Heavenly Water City, but the Sect Master is currently practicing martial arts. I didn't want to disturb him, so I came to you, Young Master."

Xiao Fan bowed respectfully to Shen Mo.

Shen Mo smiled. "Where did you get this information?"

Xiao Fan did not dare to hide it. "To be honest, Young Master, I recruited some rogue cultivators, and the information came from them."

He quickly added, "Of course, they do not serve me but the sect."

Shen Mo chuckled. "Since you have such a desire to serve the sect, how could I refuse?"

"How about this? I will go with you."

"Let the entire Xuanjiang Prefecture witness the resolve of the Qingxuan Sect!"

Xiao Fan was startled and quickly protested, "Young Master wants to go with me? Isn't that inappropriate?"

"You are currently in the spotlight and could easily attract envy. If news of your presence near Heavenly Water City leaks, many might come after you!"

Shen Mo smiled faintly. "As long as you don't say anything and I don't say anything, who would leak this news? Isn't that right, Elder Xiao?"

"Y-Yes, indeed," Xiao Fan forced a laugh.

"Go prepare, Elder Xiao. We'll set out tomorrow," Shen Mo said with a smile.

"Understood." Xiao Fan bowed and left.

After leaving the Bamboo Tree Courtyard, his face immediately turned cold, his handsome features now icy.

Shen Mo watched him leave with a faint smile.

He had noticed earlier that a new opportunity was stirring around Xiao Fan.

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