Chapter 613
His face was filled with excitement.
Shortly after Lu Shaoyun entered the inn, he secretly sent a letter to the Shidingzhai branch in Huanglong City. The branch manager, Li Tianbao, had already personally led a group to the inn to meet with Lu Shaoyun. It seemed that Lu Shaoyun was seeking Li Tianbao's help.
"Help?"
Upon hearing this, the man in the straw hat was taken aback for a moment, then let out a cold sneer.
"interesting.
Is Lu Shaoyun trying to kill himself, or does he think his Lu family isn't in enough trouble? He actually wants to help his target? Doesn't he realize he's playing with fire? He's practically digging his own grave, ruining his entire family!
He pondered for a moment, then decisively gave the order.
"Immediately increase manpower and place Juxiang Inn and the Shidingzhai branch in Huanglong City under close surveillance! I need to know their every move! Also, find a way to send our people infiltrate Juxiang Inn to find out what the target is planning in the room! Remember, without my orders, absolutely no one is allowed to act rashly!"
"Yes!"
The thin young man and the obese man both answered the call to duty.
The man in the straw hat added.
"Seal the details of Lu Shaoyun's involvement in this matter, along with our assessment, using a secret technique, and immediately transmit it back to the Forbidden City via the Wind Shadow Hawk!"
……
Inside that ancient mansion in the Forbidden City.
The atmosphere was oppressive. Chi Cangmei's face was as cold as frost. He slammed his hand on the jade table beside him, and the hard table instantly cracked, sending fragments flying everywhere!
"Useless! A bunch of useless trash!"
Her voice was icy, filled with boundless rage.
"Qingliu Town deployed sixty elite troops, with Ma Ming personally commanding the outer crossbow formations, yet they were all wiped out! Even Ma Ming is dead! Tell me, without Xu Qianjing in charge, you couldn't even execute a simple encirclement attack?!"
The deputies below were trembling with fear, their faces pale, none daring to meet her gaze. One of them, steeling himself, whispered his defense.
“Miss Cangmei, it’s not that we are incompetent, it’s just that the target… was too powerful and unpredictable. Who could have imagined that he could turn the tables and kill us under those circumstances…”
"Powerful and bizarre?"
Chi Cangmei laughed in extreme anger, his voice like ice beads falling onto a jade plate.
"So you mean that our Chi family invested so much manpower and resources because our opponent was too strong, and therefore we deserved to fail?! Huh?!"
Everyone trembled with fear, quickly lowered their heads even further, shook their heads repeatedly, and dared not utter another word.
Just then, a guard strode in, knelt on one knee, and reported.
"Miss, gentlemen, urgent report from the front! The target has arrived in Huanglong City! And... he has an extra person with him. Upon investigation, it has been confirmed that he is Lu Shaoyun, the son of Lu Tianzhao, the deacon elder of the Shidingzhai headquarters in the Forbidden City!"
The guard quickly relayed the information from Huanglong City, including details about Lu Shaoyun seeking help from the Shidingzhai branch.
Upon hearing the report, one of the deputies flew into a rage and slammed his fist on the table.
"Lu Shaoyun? That good-for-nothing wastrel! How dare he help the target? Is he tired of living?! This is openly making an enemy of us!"
The others also showed anger, believing that Lu Shaoyun and the Lu family's actions were a provocation against the Chi family.
However, after his initial outburst of anger, Chi Cangmei quickly calmed down.
Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. Things were probably not so simple. Given Lu Shaoyun's incompetent nature and the Lu family's consistent policy of self-preservation, it was unlikely that he would willingly get involved in this mess that was clearly targeting a "tough nut to crack."
Unless... there's some misunderstanding here? Or did Jiang Xuan use some means to coerce Lu Shaoyun?
She pondered for a moment, then gave the order to the guard.
"Immediately issue an oral decree in my name to the Lu clan of the Forbidden City."
"I demand that they tell me whether Lu Shaoyun's actions in Huanglong City were his own personal actions, or were they authorized by the Lu clan? I need a clear answer from them as soon as possible!"
"Yes!"
The guard accepted the order and hurried away.
Chi Cangmei watched the guard's departing figure with a deep gaze.
She felt that the waters of Huanglong City, due to the unexpected intrusion of Lu Shaoyun, seemed to be becoming somewhat murky and complicated.
She slowly turned around, her gaze sweeping over the silent deputies in the hall. A layer of cold frost covered her beautiful face, and her previous ease and comfort had vanished.
She knew very well that things had developed to this point, and it was no longer just about hunting down Jiang Xuan; it was also about the reputation of herself, Chi Cangmei, and the Chi family behind her! If she couldn't even handle a kid with no connections, and word got out, she, Chi Cangmei, would become a laughing stock in the upper circles of the Forbidden City!
"In the name of my Chi family, I hereby formally send a message to the Lu clan of the Forbidden City."
Chi Cangmei's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
"The wording can be 'polite,' but the meaning must be clear—ask them whether Lu Shaoyun's actions in Huanglong City were his own foolish behavior or instigated by their Lu clan. Make them give me and the Chi family a clear explanation as soon as possible!"
She deliberately emphasized the words "polite" and "clearly explained".
Upon hearing this, the dejected deputies in the hall perked up immediately! They knew all too well what it meant to appear "in the name of the Chi family."
It was a condescending interrogation, a crushing defeat due to unequal power! In front of the Chi family, one of the seven superior clans, the Lu family, a mid-sized clan, had no room for bargaining and could only obediently admit defeat!
"Miss Cangmei is wise!"
One of his deputies immediately chimed in, his face beaming with excitement.
"That Lu Shaoyun is nothing but a clown. If the Lu family knows what's good for them, they should immediately get rid of this good-for-nothing and personally tie him up and send him to us to apologize!"
"That's right! Daring to interfere in the affairs of our Chi family, they're simply asking for trouble!"
The other person also said viciously.
Someone seemed to have thought of something and offered a slightly hesitant reminder.
“Miss Cangmei, Lu Shaoyun’s father is, after all, an elder in charge of the Shidingzhai headquarters. Shidingzhai’s influence extends throughout the empire. Shouldn’t we be mindful of this…”
"Shi Ding Zhai?"
Chi Cangmei's lips curled into an undisguised sneer of disdain. "Shi Ding Zhai is a business; they believe in making money through harmony and getting along with everyone."
Would they really risk a complete falling out with the Chi family and become their enemy over the worthless son of a mere elder? Besides, that Lu Shaoyun is just using his father's name as a shield; who does he even think he is to represent Shidingzhai?
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, finding Chi Cangmei's analysis extremely reasonable. While Shi Dingzhai was indeed powerful, it would never risk offending a top-tier clan like the Chi family for the sake of a spoiled brat; it simply wasn't in the interests of a businessman.
"Lu Shaoyun is nothing but an insignificant clown; there's no need to pay him any more attention. The key now is Jiang Xuan!"
Chi Cangmei's eyes were sharp, and his tone was resolute.
"Pass on my order: immediately mobilize all available forces around Huanglong City! Abandon all complex traps and schemes; I will use overwhelming force to launch a frontal encirclement and annihilation!"
She took a deep breath and gave an almost desperate order.
"Pass the order: take off all five of the remaining Ziying warships of the Chi family! In coordination with ground forces, completely seal off the area outside Huanglong City where a breakout is possible! Once the target is spotted, there's no need to ask for permission again. Ground troops will surround and kill them with all their might, while the airships will provide fire support! I refuse to believe that Jiang Xuan can climb out of such dire straits time and time again!"
This arrangement sent a collective gasp through the deputies! Mobilizing all remaining forces, even deploying all five Ziying warships for aerial support? This was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut—no, it was a dragon-slaying weapon!
But upon closer examination, after repeated setbacks and the failure of outsmarting the enemy, this seems to be the most direct, the "dumbest" but also the most likely to succeed method—to crush the enemy with absolute force!
"A deputy muttered."
"This...this is practically a desperate gamble..."
"That's right, it's a desperate gamble!"
Chi Cangmei's voice was icy as his gaze swept over everyone present.
"In this battle, I have staked everything I have; there is no turning back! If we win, everything will be fine, and I will petition the clans for credit for everyone! But if we lose again..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but the chilling aura emanating from her sent shivers down everyone's spine. If they failed again, investing so many resources only to be unable to defeat a mere Human罡 Realm youth, they, the executors, would undoubtedly face the clan's most severe punishment—their fate was unimaginable!
"Of course, I believe I won't fail again."
Chi Cangmei abruptly changed the subject, his tone carrying a powerful confidence mixed with a hint of cruelty.
"In the face of absolute power, any skill or luck is futile."
Jiang Xuan's chances of survival are extremely slim! Everyone, as long as we proceed according to plan without any mistakes, victory will surely belong to our Chi family!
"Yes, Miss Cangmei!"
Inspired by her imposing presence, everyone responded in unison, as if they could already see Jiang Xuan reduced to ashes under the attack of the warship's main cannon and countless cultivators.
Chi Cangmei said no more and turned to leave the somber mansion.
The night was deep, and the streets and alleys of the Forbidden City appeared exceptionally quiet under the moonlight. Chi Cangmei strolled alone on the bluestone path, his mind a jumble of thoughts.
Her choice to have the final showdown with Jiang Xuan in the Huanglong City area was a well-considered one. This place was already very close to the Forbidden City, and the route was frequented by Imperial Guards and powerful cultivators. Going any further would greatly increase the difficulty and risk of the battle. She had to settle everything here!
She couldn't help but think again of the question that had troubled her for so long.
"Just who is this Jiang Xuan? Why would the clan attach so much importance to him, even going so far as to use such power to eliminate him on his way to the Forbidden City?"
She had a vague feeling that there must be a huge secret hidden here. Perhaps, only by killing Jiang Xuan with her own hands could she get the answer from the clan.
Her shadow stretched long in the moonlight, gradually disappearing into the depths of the alley, leaving behind only a chilling atmosphere and a resolute killing intent.
……
Meanwhile, in Huanglong City, the Spirit Pattern Master Commune.
Unlike the hustle and bustle and undercurrents outside, the Spirit Pattern Master Commune always maintains a solemn, tranquil, and even slightly sacred atmosphere.
This is the sacred land of spirit pattern masters, protected by both imperial laws and the spirit pattern master community itself. Even a powerful family like the Chi family would not dare to act recklessly here.
A figure dressed in a black cloak with the brim of a hat pulled low silently entered the commune gate.
He went straight to the reception desk and presented a badge with an antique design and a bronze sheen—the very badge that represented his status as a junior spirit rune master.
The maid who was in charge of receiving guests immediately became respectful upon seeing the badge.
She didn't ask too many questions, but simply followed the rules and led the mysterious spirit pattern master into a quiet room that was exclusively for spirit pattern masters, with excellent soundproofing and protective spirit patterns.
The door to the quiet room slowly closed, isolating it from the outside world. Only then did the man in black raise his hand, removing the hood of his cloak to reveal a handsome and serene face—it was Jiang Xuan!
He had already realized that he was being followed. Entering Juxiang Inn and pretending to be in seclusion under the guise of Lu Shaoyun was just the first step in his plan to escape unscathed.
Using the structure of the inn's rooms, he quietly carved out a secret passage leading to an adjacent empty storeroom, then used the storeroom's back window to leave, eventually arriving at the relatively safe Spirit Pattern Master Commune.
With the badge of a junior spirit rune master that he obtained during the assessment in Donglin City, he can enjoy the highest level of protection and tranquility here. Unless he shows himself, it is difficult for external forces to interfere with him.
This is exactly what he needs—an absolutely safe and undisturbed environment for seclusion.
Jiang Xuan sat cross-legged on the futon in the center of the quiet room and slowly closed his eyes. Back when he was dealing with the Zi Ying warship and fighting back in Qingliu Town, he had already felt that his long-stagnant cultivation at the peak of the Human Gang Realm was showing obvious signs of loosening.
The barrier leading to the Earthly Rank Realm has been shaky and on the verge of collapse due to the intense battles and life-or-death struggles of the past few days.
The reason he was so eager to find a safe place to go into seclusion was to seize this opportunity for a breakthrough and advance to the next level in one go!
Once he successfully enters the Earthly Fiend Realm, his strength will undergo a qualitative leap. His spiritual energy will become more condensed and powerful, and his combat methods will become more diverse and formidable. At that time, most of the arrangements and calculations made by the Chi family regarding his strength will become useless!
Within his body, the spiritual energy that had been slowly rotating like a millstone in a storm began to accelerate, washing over his limbs and bones like a tidal wave, emitting a subtle yet powerful buzzing sound.
Jiang Xuan calmed his mind completely and quickly entered a deep state of cultivation where he was completely absorbed in the world around him. He guided his spiritual energy with all his might and launched an attack on that invisible barrier.
……
Inside Lu Shaoyun's room at Juxiang Inn.
Unlike the intense training on Jiang Xuan's side and the murderous aura lurking on Chi Cangmei's side, Lu Shaoyun's mood at this moment can be described as quite "comfortable".
He sat at the table with his legs crossed, pouring himself a glass of wine that Li Tianbao had sent. Although his face still bore the marks of bruising, his expression was one of triumphant satisfaction.
"Hmph! Jiang Xuan, no matter how cunning you are, you'll still have to drink my foot bath water!"
He took a sip of his drink, thinking smugly. (End of Chapter)