Li Yun was slightly taken aback by Zhao Baichuan's seemingly casual suggestion.
But in an instant, many things fell into place.
The bookshop owner before him, who seemed to want nothing to do with worldly affairs, was an old fox with schemes buried deep!
He was certain Zhao Baichuan didn't merely have a few connections in the City Lord's Mansion. His ties to it ran deep.
At the very least, he stood wholly on the City Lord's Mansion's side.
Zhao Baichuan had sounded calm when he spoke of the Four Great Hunting Groups plotting to form a guild and contest the City Lord's Mansion's authority. In truth, his words had been full of hostility.
Zhao Baichuan had deliberately told him the Four Great Hunting Groups wanted to make an example of him, then offered to recommend him for a guard position at the City Lord's Mansion. He clearly had no good intentions.
He wanted to use Li Yun as a pawn to cut the Four Great Hunting Groups down to size and make them lose face.
The Four Great Hunting Groups had spent all this time fanning the flames and stirring up rumors. They were ready to make an example of him, only for him to suddenly join the City Lord's Mansion.
That would be a resounding slap in the face to the Four Great Hunting Groups!
He thought poorly of them too—very poorly—but that didn't mean he had to become someone else's pawn in a scheme to humiliate them!
At that thought, Li Yun's heart grew completely still.
He cupped his hands to Zhao Baichuan, remaining humble and polite.
"I appreciate your kind offer, Senior."
"But my abilities are limited. I'm only a Lower Sage, and my talent is mediocre. I'm afraid I'm not up to the responsibility of