Formulating a Plan

After Bai Ze and the County Magistrate discussed the detailed plan, the latter left the courtyard with his men.

After seeing them off, the innkeeper returned to the courtyard and asked worriedly, "Lord Bai, isn't this too dangerous?"

"Last night, the other party killed someone amid two Blood Changing Realm martial artists and a large number of yamen runners, then left with ease."

"If we split up tonight, I'm afraid he'll find an opening."

"Heh."

Hearing this, Bai Ze glanced at him and said with a cold laugh, "I want to give him an opening. If there's no opening, how will he show himself again?"

"Alright, go notify the other three Blood Changing Realm martial artists. Have them gather at the county office tonight."

"Yes."

Since Bai Ze had already said so, although the innkeeper was worried, he could only comply.

As for Bai Ze, he was in no hurry. After putting away the silver the County Magistrate had given him, he continued cultivating.

As time passed, the sky gradually darkened.

By then, everyone had gathered at the county office. Besides Bai Ze's group, there were also people from the other factions in Blackwater County.

After all, their leaders had also been assassinated. Who knew when it would be their turn?

This time, the County Magistrate had taken the lead and joined all the factions together.

When he saw Bai Ze arrive with his men, he nodded in greeting before speaking directly. "Everyone, quiet down first."

"You should all know why you've been called here this time."

"Over this period, a strange fellow has appeared in Blackwater County, specializing in assassinating the bosses of various factions."

"His methods are exceptionally cruel, and he is impossible to guard against."

"That is why I have called everyone here—to gather all our strength and find him."

Upon hearing this, the members of the various factions below could not help murmuring among themselves.

The other party could kill Blood Changing Realm martial artists. How could they possibly be a match for him?

"County Magistrate, it's not that we don't want to help, but we're truly powerless!"

"Exactly! He can easily kill Blood Changing Realm martial artists. Killing us would be no different from slaughtering chickens!"

"Isn't that the truth? Even if we have great numbers, he can still come and go as he pleases."

"Why not gather together instead? We'd have a better chance that way."

"If it really comes to it, we can only leave Blackwater County."

Clearly, what had happened over this period had left them deeply unsettled.

They had not even caught a glimpse of the enemy before their own bosses were already dead. Wouldn't running into him be no different from seeking death?

Bai Ze, standing to the side, said nothing when he saw this.

After all, the purpose of bringing these people here was simple: to have them serve as eyes and ears.

Once everyone began searching in a grand display, the other party would know that the county office's defenses had been weakened, luring him into coming again.

And this was merely one part of the plan.

Watching the crowd below argue heatedly, the County Magistrate's expression darkened at once.

"What are you making such a fuss about? I'm only asking you to search for him and locate his whereabouts, not to confront him head-on."

"You'll split into teams of twenty. Once you find him, immediately send a signal. The county office will handle the rest."

"Or do you intend to give up everything and leave Blackwater County?"

"Even if you do, can you guarantee that he won't pursue and kill you?"

Hearing this, the leaders of the various factions wore ugly expressions.

After all, the County Magistrate was speaking the truth. They had operated in Blackwater County for years, and all their territory was here. Leaving would mean giving up everything.

If they had to start over somewhere else, it would likely be exceedingly difficult.

No matter where they went, they would be outsiders. Trying to pull food from a tiger's mouth would not be easy.

After the new leaders of the various factions discussed the matter, they ultimately agreed.

At the County Magistrate's command, all the factions in Blackwater County, including the yamen runners, sprang into action.

They split into numerous squads, each person carrying a signal flare. The moment they discovered the other party, they would immediately send word.

A few minutes later, after all the squads had departed, the County Magistrate walked over and said with a smile, "Brother Bai, sorry you had to see that. These people won't listen unless they're pushed to the brink."

"It's nothing."

Bai Ze did not mind. He led the other three Blood Changing Realm martial artists inside.

Once everyone was seated, the County Magistrate introduced a middle-aged man beside him with a smile. "This is the county office's only remaining Blood Changing Realm martial artist, Qu Feng."

"When the other party attacked last night, he was there and even exchanged blows with him."

"Qu Feng, while we have the chance, give everyone a proper account of what happened last night."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Qu Feng stepped forward a few paces. Cupping his fists, he replied, "It was around midnight last night when a mysterious man dressed in black slipped into the county office."

"At the time, none of the many Yamen runners outside noticed him. He came straight for Brother Wang and me."

"And judging by his strength, he likely had not reached the Innate Realm. Otherwise, the two of us would probably have been killed outright."

"Still, his strength was not to be underestimated. He was definitely no ordinary Blood Changing Realm martial artist."

Bai Ze and the others beside him could not help nodding gravely at those words.

And that was indeed how it should be. They all understood the gulf between the Innate and Acquired realms.

Qu Feng did not stop there, continuing, "Even when Brother Wang and I joined forces, we were no match for that mysterious man."

"His palms, in particular, were incredibly formidable—like a pair of iron palms heated until they glowed red."

"As for what happened afterward, you should all know. After killing the man, he leaped away and left this place."

Everyone's hearts jolted at those words, though they also breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter what, the opponent was still in the Blood Changing Realm. This time, they had five Blood Changing Realm martial artists; if they struck together, there was basically no chance of losing.

But just then, Bai Ze suddenly thought of something and asked, "Right—after he killed the man last night, what else did he do?"

"You all know the condition of every victim. About half the blood in their bodies was gone."

"That's right. What else did he do before leaving?"

"Qu Feng, think carefully."

The others nearby also recalled the matter upon hearing this and hurriedly pressed him with questions.

If they could figure that out, perhaps they could guess why the man kept hunting Blood Changing Realm martial artists.