A Crime Is Never Without a Pretext

Cooperate? Cooperate in wiping out Shang Chaozong's hundred thousand iron cavalry? An Xianzhao wore a speechless expression as he slowly turned to look at Shi Yuanlong, seeming to ask, Why did that sound like a joke?

Shi Yuanlong could not help raising a hand to rub his nose, glancing from Shen Yuhong to Shang Yongzhong.

Shen Yuhong picked up the thread. "Rest assured, Su Qitong was originally a man of our Xiaoyao Palace. Since Senior Brother Shi Sheng is gone, I have come this time on Xiaoyao Palace's behalf to take over. Hao Prefecture's forces will naturally cooperate. With both sides joining hands, striking from within and without, we hold every advantage of timing, terrain, and popular support. Cutting off Shang Chaozong's tiger claw will be no problem, and it will greatly sap Southern Prefecture's vitality, making it much easier to deal with afterward. Besides..."

He pointed at Shi Yuanlong. "Brother Yuanlong, you will still need to work things out with Great Zen Mountain. Before anything happens, find a way to lure Huang Lie aside. As long as Huang Lie is brought under control, Great Zen Mountain's people will fear smashing the rat for the sake of the porcelain and dare not act rashly. After that, controlling Shang Chaozong will be simple. With Shang Chaozong in our hands, Southern Prefecture's forces will not dare make any reckless moves. Xiaoyao Palace will handle the rest."

Shi Yuanlong wore a strange expression. "Brother Shen, do you not know that Shang Chaozong's hundred thousand iron cavalry has already left?"

"They left?" Shen Yuhong was stunned. "What do you mean?"

Shang Yongzhong, who had just laid out a brilliant plan for annihilation, was also dumbfounded.

"What do I mean?" Shi Yuanlong raised his hand and made an exaggerated walking motion. "They left. It means