Commoners?

When news of the impending war reached the luxurious restaurants beside Duanhai Waterfall, the leisurely young nobleman continued to drink and admire the graceful figures of the dancers.

Hearing the increasingly clear sounds of panic and chaos outside, the dancers and musicians instinctively stopped what they were doing.

This pause immediately displeased the young nobleman, but he didn't lose his temper; he simply smiled and teased him.

"Stop what? Don't stop playing the instruments, keep dancing! These days, people who run away either have inscribed ships or flying Demon Beast. Do you guys have those too?"

"."

The dancer paused for a moment, then continued to dance gracefully to the musicians' strings.

Long, slender legs partially exposed during the dance, the dancers' graceful movements, with their slender waists, paired with fine wine, created a scene of extraordinary tranquility amidst the chaos of war.

During the dance, the effeminate man slowly pushed open the door and entered, holding a note in his hand as he walked behind the young nobleman.

The young nobleman glanced at the other person's expression, roughly guessed the outcome, and said with a smile:

"It seems the Prime Minister's Estate is not prepared to give the Wanxiang Sect the opportunity to choose freely?"

The effeminate man's expression was somewhat grave as he leaned closer and whispered in his ear:

"Young master, the eastern part of the city has fallen."

"."

Upon hearing this, the young nobleman's relaxed smile suddenly froze.

The effeminate man then said in a sinister tone:

"With the Prime Minister acting unilaterally without the approval of the court, His Majesty now has another reason to take action."

The young nobleman's brows gradually furrowed:

"Fool, shut up! Xu Yinhe dares to take military action because he must have evidence and a reason to destroy the sect."

The effeminate man was taken aback and immediately knelt down to apologize:

"Third Young Master, it was my oversight."

The young nobleman pondered for a few moments, exhaled, waved his hand, and his tone returned to its casual manner:

"Alright, get up. I remember it's only been a quarter of an hour since that person shouted. How could the City Protection Array?"

He spoke softly, handing over the small note with both hands:

"Young Master, this is a summary of what happened, as reported by the Imperial Shadow Guard."

The young nobleman accepted it.

After reading it carefully, he let out a long sigh:

"The Black Scale Army's combat strength has reached such a level; at least in terms of weaponry and equipment, they are far ahead of us."

The effeminate man said in a soft voice:

"Young master, this was a calculated move against an unsuspecting enemy; the garrison of Wanxiang City had no time to react."

The young nobleman shook his head:

"Zhang Rou, the ability to give them no time to react is also a kind of strength."

As he spoke, the young nobleman slowly rose, walked step by step to the long stilt, and stood before the window, looking up at the enormous Mystic Eagle still hovering in mid-air:

"Those people upstairs in the Mystic Eagle Pavilion are really ruthless. The Wanxiang Sect Master attacked the city without saying a word. Tsk tsk."

Having said that,

The young nobleman straddled the windowsill, preparing to jump.

The effeminate man was taken aback upon seeing this:

"Young master, what is this?"

"Of course we're running away! Are we just going to stand here and wait to die?"

The young nobleman replied matter-of-factly, with a hint of helplessness, "Some people in the Wanxiang Sect know I'm here. I came secretly, and with the city in such chaos and that person in the sky so ruthless, they could easily kill me without anyone knowing."

"..." An effeminate man.

News of the fall of Wanxiang East City spread rapidly throughout the entire city through various channels.

Although the Vientiane garrison was only a second-line force trained in martial arts schools and not an elite force, no one could have imagined that the Vientiane garrison would still collapse so quickly under the cover of the City Protection Array.

The Wanxiang Sect Master and the Great Elder of the Myriad Manifestations Sect were also caught off guard.

Fortunately, after capturing the East City, the Black Scale Army did not advance further. Instead, they began to organize and maintain order in the chaotic city.

The Mystic Yin Pavilion was completely silent.

Xu Xinyao stood to one side without saying a word, looking cool.

The young man sat alone on the soft couch, while the two old men knelt on prayer cushions, showing no sign of displeasure.

Xu Yuan slowly poured a cup of wine for each of the two old men in front of him and pushed it towards them:

"Seniors, I was washing up and getting dressed just now, so I was a little slow."

As he spoke,

Xu Yuan paused, his expression meaningful:

"The Black Scale Army is proceeding according to plan. I forgot the time and didn't send a message, so they started the first phase of their operation directly. I hope you two seniors won't mind."

"."

The Wanxiang Sect Master showed no change in expression, but his tone became much more polite, no longer gloomy, and he said with a smile:

"Young master, you are focused on your work and undisturbed by external things, which I can naturally understand."

Xu Yuan laughed upon hearing this; it seems anyone can do something like licking someone's boots.

After a pause, the Wanxiang Sect Master asked with slight hesitation:

"I just wonder, what was the first stage you mentioned, young master?"

Xu Yuan replied with an undisguised smile:

"Actually, the plan is very simple. The first stage is from points to lines, the second stage is from lines to surfaces, and as for the third stage..."

At this point, Xu Yuan smiled meaningfully and did not continue.

"."

The Wanxiang Sect Master remained calm and unmoved.

Xu Yuan simply smiled gently:

"Don't be nervous, senior. The next phase of the plan should begin in about two hours. We still have time."

The Wanxiang Sect Master smiled slightly, raised his hand, and took a sip of wine.

"Two hours?"

Xu Yuan didn't respond upon hearing this. He rubbed his temples and said with some distress:

"Look at my memory, I can't quite remember, it seems like it was about an hour later?"

He paused for a moment,

Xu Yuan glanced at Xu Xinyao and asked:

"Xiao He, what time did we set it for?"

"."

Xu Xinyao kept her mouth tightly shut, remaining cool and showing no intention of saying a word.

Xu Yuan frowned upon seeing this, and his voice became stern:

"Xiao He?!"

The Wanxiang Sect Master of Myriad Manifestations suddenly spoke up:

"It's quite a coincidence that your maid's name is the same as my daughter's."

Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow and coldly said to Xu Xinyao, "I'll deal with you when you get down."

Having said that, Xu Yuan's expression changed dramatically, and he looked at the Wanxiang Sect Master with great interest, saying:

"Oh? Same name? I'm quite curious. Could you introduce us, senior?"

The Wanxiang Sect Master coughed lightly:

"Xiao He has been busy lately. If this matter is resolved, and you wish to visit my Wanxiang Sect, that would be fine. However, let's discuss business first."

Xu Yuan frowned when his request was rejected, leaned back on the soft couch, and crossed his legs.

"I'm very curious! If you can't introduce me, can we talk about it another day?"

Looking at the boots dangling in front of him, the Wanxiang Sect Master took a deep breath and maintained his smile:

"It is my honor that you are so curious, young master."

Having said that, he unleashed his Source Qi, sending out a telepathic message that flew over the windowsill and shot towards the entrance of the Wanxiang Mountain.

Xu Yuan laughed heartily upon seeing this:

"I've heard of your forthrightness, and now that I've met you, it's indeed true. Let's get down to business; you can start."

Upon hearing this, the Wanxiang Sect Master paused briefly, carefully choosing his words, before speaking in a low voice:

"Young Master, there seems to be some misunderstanding between my Wanxiang Sect and your esteemed residence. What do you require for your withdrawal of troops?"

"Retreat?"

Xu Yuan narrowed his eyes; he was very dissatisfied with this "serious matter" the other party had mentioned.

Even now, the other party is still avoiding any mention of Shengshan County.

But upon further reflection, I felt relieved.

The experts involved in these internal power struggles are generally highly politically aware.

Talking about Shengshan County is tantamount to a capital offense; not talking about it is considered leaving room for maneuver.

After a moment's pause, Xu Yuan still chose to go along with it:

"What's the strategy for retreating?"

Before the Wanxiang Sect Master could speak, he heard:

"Young master, wherever the army marches, it is the common people who suffer. The lives of three million people in Wanxiang City depend on your single decision."

The Great Elder's voice was filled with sorrow.

Xu Yuan frowned.

Seeing this, the Great Elder changed his tone accordingly:

"The Prime Minister's Estate helped my Wanxiang Sect practice its military might. Now that the matter is concluded, my Wanxiang Sect can compensate your mansion for the military expenses, plus five million taels of silver as a token of our gratitude, payable in cash."

"."

Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow but didn't speak immediately.

He suddenly understood what the two old men meant.

We don't need you to hand over any substantial evidence. You just take the money and leave. We won't report to the imperial court. Everything was agreed upon by everyone.

but,

Five million taels of silver

Converted to the prices of this world, it would be close to 7.5 billion in my previous life, which is an astronomical figure for an individual.

Such a huge sum of money, just taken out like that, these sects are truly rolling in wealth accumulated over thousands of years.

Seeing that Xu Yuan remained silent for a long time, the Wanxiang Sect Master of Wanxiang, while drinking, added in a low voice:

"Young master, you have traveled a long and arduous journey, and we would like to express our gratitude by offering you 70% of the shares of the Chenguang Chamber of Commerce."

"."

Xu Yuan almost burst out laughing when he heard this.

Seventy percent of the shares, essentially giving him the chamber of commerce.

But was the old man bribing him?

The Prime Minister's Estate will most likely belong to him in the future, and you're using this to test your officials?

If it were someone else, they might not have been able to withstand this test, but he...

Just as he was thinking this, Xu Yuan's thoughts suddenly stopped.

He realized that the old man wasn't trying to bribe him.

Because of his cultivation level.

The Wanxiang Sect Master could see through his cultivation level; it was impossible for someone with only a sixth-grade cultivation to silently absorb such a large amount of shares.

Even if you could swallow it, you couldn't possibly digest it.

If he had a superior, it would undoubtedly be Xu Yinhe's confidant.

In other words, these two old men actually wanted to use this method to establish a connection with the Prime Minister's Estate.

Your Prime Minister's Estate's Tian'an Chamber of Commerce has wanted to enter Xize Continent for quite some time now. I'll open a door for you to come in. Anyway, the Chenguang Chamber of Commerce of Chenguang Chamber of Commerce is barely alive, so you can use its name to expand.

You have high-quality goods and ample funds to develop the market, while I have connections. I can help you cover for yourself, and you can use all the various trade routes and networks I operate.

More importantly, by using the name of the Chenguang Chamber of Commerce, they do not have to pay taxes and will not be subject to joint suppression by other local forces.

Once it's established, my Wanxiang Sect can also get a share of the profits.

Let's all sit down and split the money, you get 70%, I get 30%. Why fight to the death over those 200,000 lowly people? Wouldn't it be better if we all made money together and shared the profits?

Thinking of this,

Xu Yuan sighed inwardly, raised his cup, neither agreeing nor refusing, but exchanged a smile with the sect leader:

"Sect Leader, you have quite the courage! Come, let's drink."

After saying that, the three of them laughed and drank a cup together.

"Howl--"

A cry of an eagle rang out at that moment.

Someone outside wants to climb up to the attic.

Xu Yuan looked up and glanced at it, then said with a smile:

"It seems your daughter has arrived, Sect Master. Judging from your appearance, you must have been quite the handsome man in your youth. Your daughter must be as beautiful as a flower, right?"

Upon hearing this, the Wanxiang Sect Master's eyes suddenly narrowed.

Xu Yuan saw this but ignored it, a slight smile playing on his lips, and rose from the soft couch to greet him.

"Sect Master, Great Elder, please wait here for a moment. I will go to greet you."

The Wanxiang Sect Master wanted to stop him, but was pulled back by the Great Elder, who whispered in his ear:

"Sect Master, the greater good is at stake. You'd better come down and persuade Xiao He. If she can maintain her relationship with this young master, it will benefit the sect."

The aged Wanxiang Sect Master clenched his fist slightly.

"Do you want Xiao He to become a prostitute?"

The Great Elder's expression remained unchanged:

"I know you had a son late in life, but Xu Yinhe must have direct evidence to have directly attacked the city. This man is no more than thirty years old, and Xu Yinhe has entrusted him with this important task. It is not an injustice to Xiao He."

"Why didn't you let your granddaughter go?!" The Wanxiang Sect Master appeared calm, but his voice betrayed suppressed anger.

"If this young master likes it, why not?" The Great Elder lowered his eyes, drinking his wine as he calmly replied, "If this young master is interested, he can have Zhaohua serve him."

Zhaohua, the first wife of the Great Elder.

"."

The Wanxiang Sect Master glanced coldly at the Great Elder, but ultimately chose to remain silent.

Upon reaching the deck, Xu Yuan saw Zhou Xiaohe, the adorable bear-like girl, once again. She had changed into a palace dress, her hair was styled in an updo, and her figure was still undeniable.

They exchanged a glance, Xu Yuan waved his hand to signal the accompanying personnel to get lost, and then said with a smile:

"Xiao He, your father is waiting for you inside. Please come with me."

Zhou Xiaohe's eyes flickered, and she spoke with great poise and playfulness:

"Now that we're here, young master, we'll naturally obey your every command."

Walking on the spacious deck, Xu Yuan asked casually:

"I've heard that Xiao He Xiaohe always travels the world with a rather dull-witted person?"

"Are you referring to Li Zhu, young master?"

"That seems to be her name." Xu Yuan nodded.

Zhou Xiaohe's eyes dimmed for a moment:

"He passed away a few days ago, dying in battle to protect Shengshan County amidst a horde of Demon Beast."

"."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan paused slightly.

Seeing this, Zhou Xiaohe whispered:

"Young Master?"

"Somewhat surprised."

Xu Yuan composed himself and said truthfully, "Those who die for righteousness are admirable."

Although they only met twice, Li Erzhu was indeed the kind of person capable of doing such a thing.

After all, those were "fools" who traveled thousands of miles to the border during Demon Beast tides specifically to eliminate demons and protect the people.

Zhou Xiaohe lowered her eyes.

Looking sideways at Zhou Xiaohe's somber profile, Xu Yuan suddenly asked:

"Xiao He lady Xiaohe, do you know why Shengshan County came to be?"

Zhou Xiaohe's body suddenly trembled, but she then smiled nonchalantly:

"Young master, what is the cause?"

She had to consider the sect's interests.

Xu Yuan looked into her eyes and said, slowly and deliberately:

"Because your Wanxiang Sect wants to massacre the city and create Ghost Mist."

Zhou Xiaohe frowned, clasped her hands in a fist and said:

"Young master, what do you mean by that? Our sect just provided financial assistance to Shengshan County a few days ago."

"Are you sure?" Xu Yuan interrupted, a strange look in his eyes.

Zhou Xiaohe was puzzled, but her tone was very firm:

"Young master, I don't understand what you're saying."

"."

Xu Yuan's gaze softened instantly, as if he were looking at a departed old friend:

"Just kidding, don't take it seriously."

While speaking,

He reached out and put his arm around Zhou Xiaohe's shoulder, and whispered:

"Xiao He, I'm a little drunk."

"."

Zhou Xiaohe trembled slightly, but this was tantamount to acquiescing.

The two walked into the pavilion, which was covered with restrictions, without saying a word the entire way.

Entering the side room,

Upon seeing Xu Yuan embracing his daughter, the late-in-life Wanxiang Sect Master instinctively gasped, but remained silent.

Xu Yuan looked at his expression, smiled slightly, and gently brushed Zhou Xiaohe woman's delicate face with his fingers that were resting on her shoulder.

"Sect Master, you dote on your daughter very much?"

The sect leader remained silent, while the Great Elder chuckled softly and said:

"The sect leader had a daughter late in life, so naturally he cherishes her."

"I see."

Xu Yuan nodded and smiled, but his smile was cold.

Then,

"Pfft!"

Using the power accumulated over a long period by the Saint's Remnant Soul, a sharp blade suddenly pierced through Zhou Xiaohe's slender body, shattering her heart.

Almost simultaneously,

"Buzz--"

A surge of powerful Source Qi suddenly erupted within the cramped room, and the Wanxiang Sect Master could no longer suppress his anger:

"You're asking for it!!!"

But the next moment,

"Bang!"

A muffled thud,

The specially designed wooden floor collapsed, and the Wanxiang Sect Master was pinned to the floor by the Great Elder beside him.

Upon seeing this, Xu Yuan slowly drew his Clear Speech Sword, gently laid Zhou Xiaohe flat on the floor, and softly said:

"Alright, stop with the charade. The Sect Master has been in the Mortal Shedding for over thirty years. How could he possibly be restrained by the Great Elder, who has only been in the Mortal Shedding half a year, if he suddenly erupts?"

As he spoke,

Xu Yuan slowly walked past the two men and returned to the soft couch to sit down.

When he turned his eyes back, the charade had ended. The Wanxiang Sect Master seemed to teleport to Zhou Xiaohe's side, who was on the verge of death. Blood was gushing from the corner of Zhou Xiaohe's mouth, and the Wanxiang Sect Master used his powerful cultivation to forcefully prolong the life of the radiant Zhou Xiaohe.

Even if your heart is broken, there is still hope in this world.

However, looking at the Myriad Wanxiang Sect Master with bloodshot eyes, Xu Yuan uttered two words that filled one with despair:

"Stop."

The Wanxiang Sect Master ignored him, his face filled with guilt as he forcibly prolonged his daughter's life.

Xu Yuan spoke softly:

"The father-daughter bond is truly touching, but if you don't stop soon, I'll have the Black Scale Army slaughter your entire sect."

The Wanxiang Sect Master looked up, his aged face contorted with rage.

"Young master, what do you mean by this?"

Xu Yuan stared at him with a deep, unsettling gaze:

Eight thousand three hundred and fourteen.

"What?"

"Two hundred and seventy thousand."

"Young Master, you can speak frankly." The Great Elder suddenly spoke up at this moment, knowing that the Sect Master had reached his limit.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan picked up the wine pot in front of him, poured himself a cup, and said slowly and deliberately:

"The former refers to the Shengshan Border Army who died protecting the people of Flourishing Mountain, while the latter is the approximate number of Flourishing Mountain people who died at the hands of Demon Beast."

"Thump!"

Xu Yuan slammed the wine pot down in front of him and spilled the wine from his cup onto the ground.

"Each of them has their own family."

"Lord Sect Master,

"Can you feel the emotions of their loved ones now?"

The Wanxiang Sect Master paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, his eyes reddening.

"You... you're just doing this for a bunch of lowly people?!"

"."

Xu Yuan sighed, offered no argument, silently took a stable lens from his Sumeru Ring, held it in his hand, and repeated:

"Stop."

He paused for a moment,

Xu Yuan grinned and said softly:

"Certainly,

"Sect Master, you can also try to kill me."

It was a little longer today.

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