In a tavern, several well-informed brokers from Worldly society, watching a scene outside the window, one of them, with a finer sense of detail, thought something strange, and opened the discussion:
"Hey, according to the news currently spreading in the market, other than several Mountain-cutting Armies being completely wiped out, and the Devil Race frontlines massively retreating, why haven’t we seen the banners of the Third Mountain and Ninth Mountain among these retreating troops?"
"Eh, indeed it seems so. But I’ve heard reliable news that two units were dispatched to garrison six thousand li away at Guang’an and Chishui respectively, guarding Weiyuan Pass near the Ten Thousand Mountains. This pass, similar to Dingshan Pass, is near Youmen Pass, just located to the east. It was attacked by Demons before Dingshan Pass fell, haven’t you heard? The forces of Tenth Mountain and Eleventh Mountain were completely defeated in defense of the city."
"So according to the current situation, wouldn’t those two cities be facing more peril than fortune, considering even both Commanders lost their cities, or died? Those Commanders were Tao Fruit strong."
"Damn, what to do now? The Overseers can’t hold on anymore. I’ve heard that other Noble families and Sects have started to panic too. Although these guys are anxious, until now, they’re only sending out a bit of reinforcement, what’s the use? But I did catch a little rumor." One of the brokers, with sharp brows arching upward like the number eight and a face that resembled frustration, leaned forward, knocked on the cup in front of him, drawing everyone’s attention.
"What news do you have?" The others leaned in, unable to resist asking.
"Ha, this news, even in the Ghost Market, could trade for quite a bit of Silver. We all share news in this business, so I’ll tell you for free." This man spoke with a serious air, raising the interest of the other Worldly society brokers.
"Tell us, quickly!"
"Haven’t you noticed? Recently more and more mysterious folks have been coming to Jingguan City, especially these past few days." The man observed the reactions of the others.
Consequently, one of them retorted impatiently: "Isn’t that obvious? To avoid the Demon disaster, I don’t know how many people have flocked to Jingguan City, all from affluent families from other places. With wealthy guests like these, we’ve benefited quite a bit, feasting on their resources," adding a chuckle.
However, the man with the "frustrated" face looked at the others as if scrutinizing imbeciles, saying quickly with a tone: "As a local informant, do you think I’d talk about something so idiotic? Everyone knows that. Can’t you wait and listen to the end of what I have to say?"
Speaking in a low voice, he continued: "The people I’m talking about definitely aren’t the refugees from Shu, but rather from the Central Plains, and they might be of not insignificant origins—mysterious and severe. We’ve traveled all over in this business, seen all kinds of people, and are worldly. By listening to accents, observing attire, and discerning one’s demeanor, one can gather a sense of things."
"I can assert that these people are indeed from the Central Plains, each with an extraordinary presence—not common folk."
"How did you come across them?" someone asked out of curiosity.
"What do I do? I have connections with all the courtyard homes for sale in this city. The first thing those outsiders want when they come is a place to live. And these courtyards can’t be afforded by just anybody. But guess what, these courtyards have become hot properties. Speaking with Central Plains accents and spending lavishly, often a single person comes and buys up these large courtyards right away, not settling for inns. This indicates they plan to stay for a long time."
Speaking further, his tone shifted as he glanced at the others, his eyes slightly narrowed, hinting at something deeper: "But tell me, given the current situation, with Demons about to knock on our doors, while others are thinking of how to hide, these people are actually coming to Jingguan City and planning to stay for the long haul. This is all too odd."
Upon hearing this, the others went hmm, truly, as they all started to think harder.
And the broker with the "frustrated" face finally revealed his intention, "I’m sharing this news with you because I want everyone here to stay alert. Certainly, there is something peculiar going on. My ancestors were fishermen, have you heard this common saying from fishing folk?"
"What?"
"The rougher the storm, the more valuable the fish! We’re all well-informed locals. If there’s any news, let’s share it. There’s Silver to be made, why not earn it together?"
The Worldly society brokers kept this matter in mind.
At this time, coincidentally, in the top floor private room of this tavern,
A young man wearing a white robe with golden embroidery, a Qilin stitched on his chest, wearing a Jade Crown on his head, noble and imposing, was seated at a large table filled entirely with a hundred delicacies, slowly savoring his meal.
To serve such a distinguished guest, the tavern provided beautiful maidservants, assisting with his spoon, serving most diligently with the maidservants from time to time sneaking glances at the young master, their eyes rippling like water, as if they could pour out.
Yet the young man’s gaze didn’t stray towards these flaunting maidservants at all, he was simply earnestly tasting each dish, a dignity in every sip and bite.
At that moment, however, ripples waved through the air behind the man in the room, soon followed by the appearance of someone out of thin air.
This person was clothed in a white cape, enveloping their entire body, about seven feet tall with a figure that seemed to merge with the void, a faint white light circling the entire body, making them appear almost ethereal.
This sudden appearance frightened the maidservants in the room,
One maidservant, who was just serving the young master a piece of crispy fish, startled, accidentally dropped it on the young master’s clothes, splattering a yellow stain.
"Oh no."
The maidservant uttered an "oh no," initially panicked, but then her eyes brightened, and she squeakily apologized, crouching down, her hand moving upward to wipe the stain, while looking up, her eyes fluttering alluringly at the noble and imposing young master, showing a pretense of fear and concern.
And at this time, that person’s voice also rang out:
"Eldest Young Master, after some investigation, none of the people who withdrew were from the Ninth Mountain’s forces, and the Government Administrative Office has not received any news either."
It was an aged voice.
"As I see it, Eldest Young Master, there’s no need to expend so much concern on this person. With the demons invading, I fear everyone on the Ninth Mountain may already be dead."
"Are you teaching me how to conduct my affairs?" The young man, now bowing his head, picked up the chin of the female attendant by his feet, his fingertip pads caressing, and slowly began to speak.
The female attendant, whose chin was lifted by the young master, was not afraid but instead avoided his gaze with a shy demeanor.
"I wouldn’t dare!"
The white-robed figure behind him leaned on the railing.
"This person destroyed a branch of my Li family, a bunch of useless lot, for sure, but since I’m here, I should take care of the matter; after all, when has my Li Family ever been so magnanimous."
"Then there’s the Commander in this city, killing Impartial Huan and deliberately letting people from the other families see it, huh, interesting."
"Find an opportunity, and kill him!"
This young man spoke as if he was discussing something trivial, with a nonchalant tone.
However, the white-robed elder hesitated a bit, "But this person, after all, is under the Demon Suppression General’s command..."
Each Demon Suppression General was truly fearsome.
But the young man in the white robe with a jade crown laughed lightly, "Elder Ai, you’ve grown old, eh? Not as ruthless as you used to be."
"Just do it quietly, isn’t now the opportunity? The front lines have collapsed, this person has no one to rely on, and if things go wrong, he might personally leave the city. When the time comes, won’t the opportunity arise?"
The conversation between these two frightened the female attendants in the room.
These two were plotting to kill the Commander out loud?
Have they gone mad!
Including the attendant being caressed by the young man, who upon hearing the young master speak so casually about killing the city’s Commander, her originally "shy" face turned pale, and she hastily tried to break free.
But her chin was clamped tight as if by pincers, unable to break free at all, and she cried out in pain,
"Young Master, spare me!"
But next, the woman’s throat tightened, only to see the corner of the young man’s eyes smiling lightly, his hand twisted.
"Crack"
The attendant’s neck was twisted with a snap, her eyes widened, and in a blink, life faded from her.
Upon seeing this, the young man tossed her aside, his eyes turned to the other attendants who were screaming in fright, and he smiled, "Perhaps, if I kill a few more people here, will that Commander dare to send someone to arrest me?"
Just as the corners of this young man’s mouth gradually lifted, from outside, within the veil of rain, a sudden eagle cry was heard.
Then, a roaring screech in the sky, as if thunder exploded.
"Eight Hundred Miles Urgent, the Ninth Mountain’s Colonel, has broken the demon army and reclaimed Weiyuan Pass!"
This cry silenced this part of the world.
People weeping on the streets, the injured Armored Soldiers, as well as the onlookers around, all looked up, only to see a streak of silver light piercing through the rain curtain, rushing toward Yunding Mountain.

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