"That Demon Monarch is being hunted by General Lei Shouren of Anren Prefecture. He has yet to return."
Old Xu truly lived up to his reputation. In just over ten days, he’d managed to gather all the news from the surrounding area, big and small.
"I understand." With those last words, the Jade Hairpin clattered onto the table.
Elder Xu put away the magical artifact.
He first swept the dust from the table with a wave of his sleeve, then blew out the oil lamp, and finally rose to leave the humble residence.
Inside his elegant courtyard, Lin Shu sat on the edge of his bed, deep in thought for a long while.
’It seems earning a quick pile of Merit Coins isn’t going to be that easy.’
’I’ll have to get my hands dirty after all.’
’But as for *how* to do the killing, I need to think that through carefully.’
...
「Martial Arts Academy, Qingfeng Pavilion.」
Seated behind a wide mahogany desk, Yu Mingxuan slammed his fist on the table in a fury and roared, "Who told him to act on his own authority? Does he even understand his place as a disciple? This is absurd!"
’To not even consult me, his elder, on such a crucial matter.’
’This involves Yu Sheng’s reputation! What right does a mere disciple have to speak on the matter?’
’And in front of so many people!’
’Lin Shu just went and accepted, making Yu Sheng look like a mere follower who hangs on his every word.’
’If word of this gets back to the family, I’ll be a laughingstock too!’
At this thought, a flicker of killing intent flashed in Yu Mingxuan’s eyes.
"..."
On both sides of the room sat individuals exuding powerful auras.
They were both instructors at the Martial Arts Academy and the trusted disciples of Vice Mountain Master Yu Mingxuan.
"You mustn’t be so anxious."
The scholar in the white, wide-sleeved robe had noticed the killing intent in his Master’s eyes.
As an Immortal Disciple, reading people was a fundamental skill.
Having grasped the gist of his Master’s thoughts, he finally rose slowly to his feet and said in a soft, consoling voice, "This might actually be a good thing."
"First the Qi Family came looking for trouble, and now that disciple has acted recklessly and escalated the situation. Wentao, you still call this a good thing?"
Yu Mingxuan frowned deeply. "You can’t possibly think that boy, Lin, has what it takes to come out ahead in a trap deliberately set by the Demon-slaying Bureau, do you?"
At this point, he wasn’t concerned with Yu Sheng’s future. The real problem was that he couldn’t let this affair affect his own standing.
Publicly, at least, he had to properly handle the tasks assigned by the family.
"Master, think about it. Since the Qi Family has already made its move, the fact that Immortal Family Yu Sheng is unworthy of his station will be very difficult to hide any longer."
Liu Wentao explained slowly, "Of course, I don’t believe Lin Shu has that ability. But even if he did, by some stroke of luck, manage to weather this storm, wouldn’t that go against the family’s original intentions? It would only make the bond between him and Yu Sheng even stronger."
"In the future, whenever people mention Immortal Family Yu Sheng, they won’t be able to do so without also mentioning Lin Shu. How would anyone be able to tell who is master and who is servant? Besides, as a noble Immortal Descendant of the Yu Family, how can he be held in check by his own disciple?"
"Then what exactly is your point?" Confusion flickered in Yu Mingxuan’s eyes.
"What I’m saying is, it’s better to rip the band-aid off. Since this can no longer be covered up, let’s make Immortal Family Yu Sheng anxious enough to quickly assemble his own retinue and completely silence the gossip."
A cold glint appeared in Liu Wentao’s eyes as he said bluntly, "As for Lin Shu, he’s eager to protect his master and fiercely loyal to Yu Sheng. He probably wouldn’t mind sacrificing himself for his Master one more time."
"If he dies outside the city, it will damage the Yu Family’s reputation for a short time, but it will eliminate a future threat. We just have to let time wash away the incident. Then, we can seize the opportunity to attack the Qi Family, accusing them of causing the death of the Yu Family’s Mountain Master Disciple."
"By shifting the blame to the Demon-slaying Bureau, Immortal Family Yu Sheng won’t resent you. In fact, he’ll be even more motivated to fight the Qi Family."
"That is precisely why I feel this might be a good thing."
Having said his piece, Liu Wentao slowly sat back down.
As Liu Wentao’s words settled, Yu Mingxuan’s eyes lit up.
’If they follow this plan,’ he thought, ’not only can I get rid of that disgraceful Mountain Master Disciple, Lin Shu, but I can also make Yu Sheng get his act together. He’ll stop making these public spectacles that blur the line between master and servant and bring shame to the Yu Family.’
’And I wouldn’t have to worry about being blamed by the family.’
"Good. That boy Lin may not know his place, but he is indeed loyal. I’m sure he will understand."
"I offered him a comfortable post, but he insisted on seeking the limelight. In that case, we’ll do as you suggest."
"Make sure it’s done cleanly. Who will go?"
Yu Mingxuan’s gaze swept over his disciples, finally resting on the three with the highest Cultivation.
"Since I was the one who proposed it, it is only natural that I help ease my Master’s burden."
Liu Wentao calmly raised his palm.
Beside him, the other two disciples also said in solemn voices, "We will not fail to live up to your expectations, Master."

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