An Arrow on the String Must Be Loosed

Dongjun, Qingshan County.

The twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month—only five days remained until the River God Grand Sacrifice!

Within the county yamen, Qiao Xuan, Wenren Jie, Young Master Kongxu, and Xu Xiao—the four main Foundation Establishment cultivators—had all arrived.

Xu Xiao was the last to arrive.

Seeing Xu Xiao return alone, the disappointment in Zhang Qingyun's eyes was impossible to conceal. "Daoist Jiang still refuses to see anyone?"

Xu Xiao shook her head. "That young Daoist said Daoist Jiang is in seclusion cultivating and will see no visitors. I couldn't exactly force my way into Qingxuan Temple, so I had no choice but to return."

Young Master Kongxu could not help sneering. "Daoist Jiang is a high-ranking master from Penglai. Why would he concern himself with Rogue Cultivators like us?"

"We went to invite him ourselves, yet it only made us seem ignorant of proper etiquette. Anyone unaware of the circumstances might even think we were trying to curry favor with him."

No one paid much mind to his barbed remarks. After all, Young Master Kongxu had gone to invite Jiang Sheng, failed even to see him, and returned with his tail between his legs. It was only natural that he felt somewhat resentful.

Wenren Jie's expression darkened. "Tomorrow, we gather everyone and set out. The day after that, we strike. Yet Daoist Jiang is in seclusion now. If he still does not appear two days from now, there will be a flaw in our plan."

At those words, both Qiao Xuan and Xu Xiao's faces sank.

Indeed, everyone acknowledged Jiang Sheng's formidable strength. He was therefore the most suitable candidate to lead the attack.

Under the plan, both Qiao Xuan and Wenren Jie had intended for Jiang Sheng to spearhead the assault while they covered his flanks.

Rogue Cultivators cherished their lives most of all. They knew that only the living had anything; once dead, even a good reputation was worth nothing.

As for Young Master Kongxu, there was no need to mention him. He intended to turn on Jiang Sheng while they besieged the River God, launching a sneak attack to secure the greatest possible benefit for himself.

By then, he could claim the Purple Mansion Realm treasures, kill Jiang Sheng—the hidden enemy—and perhaps even seize Jiang Sheng's cultivation grounds. That would be killing three birds with one stone.

As Zhang Qing watched these lofty Foundation Establishment cultivators, honored guests wherever they went in Dongjun, a trace of displeasure flickered in her eyes. Everyone had their own petty schemes. With a great battle imminent, they were still calculating their own little accounts without the slightest thought for the bigger picture. The temperament of Rogue Cultivators was truly unbearable.

Looking at her clever close friend, Xu Xiao could not help sighing inwardly. How could she not know that Zhang Qing herself regarded these Rogue Cultivators as chess pieces? But among the Rogue Cultivators who had reached Foundation Establishment, how many were fools?

How could they fail to understand that a chess piece which lost its use would be discarded? And how could they willingly become discarded pieces?!

For now, they were united only on the surface. In truth, every one of them had held something in reserve. As for how much chance their plan had of defeating the river demon, no one could say.

As Xu Xiao thought this, Jiang Sheng in Qingping Mountain suddenly came to mind. Had Daoist Jiang foreseen all this long ago, which was why he had chosen not to come and instead remain outside the chessboard?

Zhang Qing sighed. Her pretty face was filled with determination. "Everyone, we have no way back now. The plan must proceed as scheduled."

"On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, my father and I will personally lead the others to East River Town. The others will draw the Rogue Cultivators' attention, while all of you need only choose the right moment to strike."

Still looking like an old farmer, Qiao Xuan puffed on his pipe. Only after a long silence did he say, "At this point, this is our only course."

Wenren Jie gave a carefree laugh as well. "I have slain so many powerful foes in my life, but never a River God. Now that I have the chance, I would like to give it a try."

Since everyone else had agreed, Young Master Kongxu naturally would not object.

Whether Jiang Sheng went or not, he intended to turn traitor regardless. And though Young Master Kongxu did not want to admit it, Jiang Sheng's absence truly made him more at ease and improved his chances of success.

Thus, Young Master Kongxu nodded as well, putting on a dashing air. "This young master fears nothing. It is merely a demon. Are we cultivators incapable of slaying it?"

Zhang Qing immediately smiled. "The three of you are indeed renowned heroes and knights of Qing Province! Please rest assured: half of what we promised will be delivered on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month. Afterward, whether we succeed or fail, you will receive the other half."

Zhang Qing knew that those asked to risk their lives needed compensation, so she made a solemn promise.

Qiao Xuan, Wenren Jie, and Young Master Kongxu were naturally overjoyed. Receiving half their reward in advance was excellent. At worst, they could still flee on the spot.

The twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month arrived. Qingshan County had completed its curfew. Every gate was controlled by dependable guards to prevent anyone from leaving, while Qi Refinement cultivators stood watch as well, lest any cultivator escape.

The entire Qingshan County was shrouded in the heavy gloom before a great battle. Whether gentry, wealthy merchants, or common folk, no one held much hope for Zhang Qingyun's demon-slaying campaign.

Before anything had even begun, everyone already knew about it. They were loudly proclaiming their intent to kill the River God—how could such a venture possibly succeed?

Yet the gentry could not stop Zhang Qingyun's actions. Zhang Qingyun was not merely the county magistrate; he had also gathered a large group of cultivators under his banner and held the true authority of Qingshan County.

Thus, even though no one believed in Zhang Qingyun's undertaking, they lacked the power to stop it and could only watch helplessly as events unfolded.

Many gentry families wept together in despair. The ignorant common folk frantically bought grain. Even wealthy merchants had not expected to make another profit from this, but who still had the heart to make money at such a time?

Of course, not everyone was filled with fear.

Master Huang Shiren was exceedingly calm. Far from fearing the monstrous calamity about to descend, he excitedly reported the news to the River God in his study. "Master, tomorrow the county magistrate will lead those Rogue Cultivators to East River Town."

The River God statue spoke. "Have all those Rogue Cultivators come?"

Huang Shiren said, "Everyone except Jiang Sheng. It is said that the county magistrate and that female cultivator from the Moon-Embracing Sect went to invite Jiang Sheng several times, but Jiang Sheng remained in seclusion and refused to see them."

Yet the River God statue found this perfectly natural. "This god had already anticipated it! That Daoist from Penglai is no fool. Knowing this journey is one of no return, why would he deliberately court death?"

Huang Shiren hastily flattered him. "Master, you have blessed Qingshan County for decades. The people are all deeply grateful to you, and both gentry and commoners oppose the county magistrate's campaign against you."

"Unfortunately, the county magistrate acts against all reason and understands nothing of the people's hearts. He insists on throwing eggs against a stone."

"Tomorrow, once he discovers that Master's divine might cannot be resisted by such mere Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivators, he will surely regret it beyond measure and weep bitter tears."

The River God statue said, "This god knows what you desire. Once this god kills those ants, I will flood several towns in Qingshan County. Then that county magistrate, who acts against all reason, will naturally be dismissed, and this god will ensure that you become the next county magistrate of Qingshan County."

Huang Shiren's eyes filled with delight. "If this humble one can become the county magistrate of Qingshan County, I will surely lead all the gentry and commoners of the county in worshipping Master!"

The River God statue sank into silence once more, but Huang Shiren's face was full of anticipation and excitement. "This master will become county magistrate too!"

"County Magistrate Zhang's daughter is clever and beautiful, but far too proud. She has never put this master in her eyes. But this master likes that temperament. Once her father becomes a prisoner tomorrow, let us see whether she can still remain so proud."

Meanwhile, within the county yamen, several dozen Qi Refinement Rogue Cultivators were feasting and drinking.

Wang Tianfang, Li Hao, Han Li, and Qian Ming—the four Foundation Establishment cultivators—had arrived as well.

At present, the county yamen had gathered Qingshan County's strongest force.

There were four Foundation Establishment cultivators in total: Elder Qiao Xuan at late Foundation Establishment, Xu Xiao, Wenren Jie, and Young Master Kongxu at middle Foundation Establishment, along with Wang Tianfang and the other three early Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivators.

There were also more than forty Qi Refinement Rogue Cultivators, ranging from the eighth level to the fifth level of Qi Refinement.

With such a force assembled, it would be easy enough not only to suppress Qingshan County—even if Zhang Qingyun went mad and wanted to attack another county town, they would have every confidence of taking it.

Zhang Qingyun sat at the head seat, watching the Rogue Cultivators eat and drink to their hearts' content. Once they had eaten their fill, he spoke in a ringing voice. "Everyone has come to Qingshan County to join Zhang in this grand undertaking. Zhang is deeply grateful."

"The demon in the Taiping River has ravaged Qingshan County for decades, committing countless murders and bringing untold suffering upon its people!"

"Today, we gather here and share this cup of wine. Tomorrow, we march to East River Town and slay the demon!"

Upon hearing this, the Rogue Cultivators all stopped eating and drinking. Tomorrow, they were going to slay the demon?

Had they not said they would strike on the day of the River God Grand Sacrifice?

Most of these Rogue Cultivators had come to Qingshan County only to eat and drink for free. When the River God Grand Sacrifice arrived, they planned to collect the county yamen's reward, find an excuse, and run away.

They had no intention of foolishly confronting the river demon for real.

But Zhang Qingyun's meaning was clear: the plan had been moved forward. How were they supposed to escape now?

Wang Ping, a fifth-level Qi Refinement Rogue Cultivator, was just about to rise and speak when Young Master Kongxu stood and looked at them. "Everyone, this young master will personally lead the party tomorrow. There is still time. If anyone has questions, speak quickly."

While Wang Ping was still hesitating, a Rogue Cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refinement rose. Wang Ping recognized him. His name was Fang Xi, and he too was a chivalrous hero.

Fang Xi cupped his fists toward Young Master Kongxu. "Young Master Kongxu, I am naturally willing to join everyone in subjugating that demon. But I still have matters to settle within the city. Could you permit me to finish them first, then return?"

Young Master Kongxu smiled and nodded. Then, before everyone's eyes, he suddenly struck!

The Azure Water Ritual Sword flashed with a dark blue sword-light and beheaded the utterly unprepared Fang Xi in a single stroke!

Only when Fang Xi's corpse crashed heavily to the ground and blood splashed across the faces of those nearby did they realize: they no longer had any way back!

Young Master Kongxu sneered. "Since everyone has come here, there is absolutely no reason to withdraw halfway through."

"Who else wishes to leave? This young master will send him on his way!"

All the Qi Refinement Rogue Cultivators made the wise choice.

They were given no room to object. Young Master Kongxu, Wenren Jie, Qiao Xuan, and Wang Tianfang's group of four early Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivators—a total of seven Foundation Establishment cultivators—had surrounded them tightly.

A group of Qi Refinement cultivators would be slaughtered when facing even one Foundation Establishment cultivator, much less seven.

Furthermore, though Fairy Xu Xiao of the Moon-Embracing Sect had not moved, it was clear that she would not allow any of them to withdraw.

They had already been made into cannon fodder!