Chapter 196: Bury Zhou Qingcang in Our Qingxuan Sect’s Ancestral Grounds — The Divine Sword Sect is Unworthy of Him

Chapter 196: Bury Zhou Qingcang in Our Qingxuan Sect's Ancestral Grounds — The Divine Sword Sect is Unworthy of Him

In Giant River City, at the government office.

Ji Shilong stood with his hands behind his back, watching the bustling soldiers, his expression as calm as still water.

The soldiers were sorting out valuables and packing them into a few chests. In no time, the entire office was emptied, spotless and bare.

Standing nearby, Luo Shuanghan couldn't help but ask, "Governor, is it true that the higher-ups intend to promote you?"

Ji Shilong laughed heartily. "Promote me? The state governor appointed me to pacify Xuanjing Prefecture, placing high hopes on me. But I failed to accomplish it; instead, Xuanjing Prefecture has unified under one banner."

"In the future, Xuanjing Prefecture will be under the protection of the Jade Cauldron Sect, making it even harder to infiltrate."

"Most likely, the order is already on its way."

"If it's in line with the new emperor's intent, he'll probably issue an edict declaring me incompetent, guilty of dereliction of duty, and order my immediate execution."

Luo Shuanghan's pupils shrank.

For the first time, he felt the terrifying power of the imperial court.

Could they really execute a loyal and accomplished official like Ji Shilong so readily?

At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed.

A group of fully armed soldiers stormed in.

Their armor and weapons were lavishly adorned, bearing an air of authority rather than the brutal fierceness of Ji's soldiers.

Ji's soldiers shouted angrily, "Who dares to intrude upon the governor's office?"

They all drew their swords, glaring at the newcomers.

Ji Shilong raised a hand. "Sheathe your swords; these are our own people."

Only then did Ji's soldiers put away their weapons.

Ji Shilong cupped his hands toward the leading general and smiled slightly.

"Brother Chen, long time no see. How is the state governor?"

The general's face remained expressionless; he didn't respond to Ji Shilong's polite greeting.

Instead, he took out an imperial decree on yellow silk and announced in a loud voice, "Ji Shilong, Prefect of Xuanjing Prefecture, receive the decree!"

Ji Shilong, Luo Shuanghan, and all of Ji's soldiers immediately knelt on one knee.

"Ji Shilong, who has received imperial grace, has governed Xuanjing Prefecture yet failed in his duty. His incompetence has led to factional conflicts and suffering among the people!"

"According to the Great Jing Code, he should be beheaded as a public warning!"

"However, considering his merits in pacifying Jiande Prefecture, the merits and demerits shall offset each other. From this day forward, he is to be exiled to the borderlands of Wuzhou to guard against the Demon Kingdom!"

"Ji Shilong, accept the decree!"

The general finished reading the decree, held out the yellow silk in one hand, and extended it to him.

Ji Shilong took it with both hands respectfully. "Ji Shilong thanks the state governor for his grace!"

To the south of Yuzhou lay Wuzhou.

A land of deserts and fierce folk.

Wuzhou had long been the frontline in the conflicts between the Jing Kingdom and the Demon Kingdom.

Being exiled to the Wuzhou border to guard against the Demon Kingdom and dying on the battlefield was considered a relatively merciful sentence.

Most likely, it was a privilege the state governor had secured for him.

Otherwise, as per the new emperor's intent, he would certainly have been executed.

"Brother Chen, may I bring my brothers along?" he asked.

The general shook his head. "The state governor's orders allow you to take only your personal guards."

"Understood." Ji Shilong nodded.

He then turned to the soldiers gathered in the courtyard.

These soldiers had reddened eyes, as if on the verge of tears.

Ji Shilong smiled. "Brothers, I swore to serve the nation faithfully. There's no need for you to say anything further. No matter where you are, don't forget to serve the nation and honor the Jing Emperor's grace to us."

"As for the rest of you, I'll take my leave without further farewells. Please convey my words."

The soldiers all dropped to their knees with a thud, crying out, "Farewell, General Ji!"

"Luo Shuanghan, will you come with me?" Ji Shilong asked casually.

Luo Shuanghan, initially dazed, found resolve in Ji Shilong's words. "I am willing to follow!"

"Good. Brother Chen, let's be on our way," Ji Shilong said with a smile.

With that, they transformed into streaks of light and swiftly headed south.

Divine Sword City.

"Young Master, we found Zhou Qingcang barely clinging to life in the dungeon."

Wei Xiongtie approached Shen Mo and whispered.

Shen Mo raised an eyebrow. "Take me to him."

Moments later, Shen Mo found himself in a dark, damp cell, gazing upon Zhou Qingcang, once the foremost of the Five Gentlemen, now a Sword Gentleman at death's door.

Zhou Qingcang's lower abdomen bore a large wound that had never healed.

Everything within had been hollowed out.

That was his dantian.

Shen Mo looked at the young man before him, now a ragged, defeated shadow of his former self, and let out a soft sigh.

Once, Zhou Qingcang had been the talented prodigy of the Divine Sword Sect, hailed by many as an unparalleled genius in Xuanjing Prefecture, a rarity seen only once in a millennium.

And now, he had been reduced to this.

Without Zhou Qingcang saying a word, Shen Mo already knew — his Seven-Kill Golden Core had been forcibly taken.

"Shen Mo, you're here," Zhou Qingcang greeted.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't keep my word. I can't spar with you anymore."

Zhou Qingcang forced a weak smile.

Shen Mo held his hand firmly. "Who took your Golden Core?"

Zhou Qingcang smiled faintly. "He's the one who took me out of a small mountain village, transforming me from a simple cowherd into the celebrated prodigy of the Divine Sword Sect."

"Everything I am was given to me by him. If he wanted to take the Seven-Kill Golden Core, then so be it."

Shen Mo's heart clenched.

He knew — it was Luo Chaotian.

Though Luo Chaotian had no legitimate offspring, he did have an illegitimate son named Luo Shuanghan.

As expected, Zhou Qingcang's Seven-Kill Golden Core had been extracted and given to Luo Shuanghan.

"No matter about the core. From now on, you can live as a common man, peacefully enjoying the rest of your life," Shen Mo said sincerely.

Zhou Qingcang shook his head. "No, that would be far too dull."

"I'd rather die than live an unremarkable life."

"Ever since my master took me from that small village to the Divine Sword Sect, I knew that battle was the true purpose of my life."

He grinned, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "Shen Mo, I heard you've reached the Nascent Soul stage now, and even killed the old sect master of the Divine Sword Sect. Impressive… I wish I could fight you one more time."

He chuckled but soon coughed up blood, its dark and lifeless color a stark reminder of his fate.

Shen Mo said nothing.

"Where are you heading next?" Zhou Qingcang asked.

"To the Jade Cauldron Sect."

Zhou Qingcang smiled weakly. "I've heard they've always resisted the court's influence. Looks like Xuanjing Prefecture won't be under the court's watch any longer."

"I wish I could go with you to see the vast world out there."

"But… such a pity…"

His voice faded as his grip on Shen Mo's hand loosened, his eyes losing their light.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Mo straightened his clothes.

"May you not encounter a master like Luo Chaotian in your next life."

Footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Wei Xiongtie approached and whispered, "Young Master, as per your orders, all the traitors have been executed, including Liu Yuanfeng and his son, Yang Tianxing, and others."

"However, two people managed to escape."

"Who?"

"Inner Sect Elder Xiao Fan, and Ouyang Cang's granddaughter, Ouyang Qian."

Shen Mo nodded.

Their escape was within his expectations.

Xiao Fan's ties to the Divine Sword Sect ran too deep. A thorough investigation would inevitably expose him.

If he didn't flee now, he would be doomed.

As for Ouyang Qian, she had likely fled with Xiao Fan's help.

"Bury Zhou Qingcang in the ancestral grounds of Qingxuan Sect. The Divine Sword Sect isn't worthy of him," Shen Mo said quietly.

"Yes," Wei Xiongtie replied.

"There's one more thing," he added.

"Speak."

"The Sect Master wishes to see you. She's waiting atop the Divine Sword Pavilion."

"Very well, I'll go now."

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