The Fire Sower Appears

Zhou Xuan did not look up, his fingers sliding over several gray markers on the Geomantic Map.

"They want to muddy the waters with rumors. If we send troops to suppress them and end up striking mortals, that will perfectly confirm the talk about the 'Flesh and Blood Workshop.' By then, even if we kill every last rumor-monger, this basin of dirty water won't be washed clean."

Qin Keqing stood where she was without moving.

She wanted to argue, but after running through the possible consequences in her mind, she simply could not find a point to refute.

Zhou Xuan continued staring at the gray markers spreading across the map.

"There's someone directing these people from behind the scenes. Don't you think their unrest is a little too orderly? Today they smash the side gate, tomorrow they throw dirty water, the day after someone starts weeping and shouting that they want to leave. Their sense of rhythm is better than the battle formation Yang Zhen drills."

"You saw through it long ago?"

"Four days ago."

Qin Keqing held a breath in her chest, and only after a long while did she force out a reply.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"For them to stretch all their hands out."

Zhou Xuan finally raised his head, his tone as flat as if he were talking about what to eat today.

"If the snake doesn't leave its cave, you can't stamp on its vital point. Suppressing them with force now would suit their wishes perfectly. What we need to do is let facts speak."

He crushed the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman in his hand, fragments falling through his fingers.

"Ye Changqing should have arrived."

Half an hour later, the secret chamber's hidden door was pushed open.

Ye Changqing walked at the very