"Then let's begin."
Within the Eastern Palace, Xu Tianran smiled as he spoke to Zhongli Wu, who sat steadily in his chair. At the same time, he had Ju Zi hand a list to Zhongli Wu.
"These are the first batch that need to be dealt with. Their standing within the empire is neither too high nor too low, making them the most suitable targets to use as an example. But I must remind Cult Leader Zhongli of one thing: when doing this, do not leave behind the slightest trace. Pull out the weeds by the roots."
Listening to Xu Tianran's killing intent in his words, Zhongli Wu glanced over the contents of the list.
Count Nanfeng.
Count Dongyang.
Moonlight Count.
Viscount Heiling.
There were four nobles in total. Behind each name were details of their residence and family members; even their exact cultivation levels were clearly recorded.
"It seems His Highness the Crown Prince has spent quite some time investigating these people." Zhongli Wu smiled faintly. In his eyes, the people on the list were already dead.
"More or less. I merely selected the most suitable few from among these nobles to strike first." Xu Tianran said calmly, "Next, once I have people stir up public opinion within Mingdu and pin the blame for the Evil Soul Masters' past devastation of Mingdu on the Body Sect, it will be time for you to act once the situation shifts."
"But this must be done gradually. We cannot make one cut and immediately follow with another. I hope Cult Leader Zhongli understands."
"Step by step. Naturally." Zhongli Wu nodded slightly, then said with some surprise, "Speaking of which, I remember this Moonlight Count was once the Moon King. His status within the empire used to be quite high. I never expected