He recalled Xue Ne's speculation about Dong Zhuo's bloodline.
"City Incinerator was Dong Zhuo's sword. If the Xiao family really are Dong Zhuo's descendants, Xiao Juelou may have known about the secret connection between City Incinerator and his Lineage all along. In that case, Xiao Zhu's 'rebirth' might not be corruption by the demonic sword, but a genuine 'prodigal son's return'!"
He quickly put his thoughts in order. "But the others don't know the truth. All they'll see is that Xiao Zhu changed after obtaining the demonic sword, and they'll inevitably object. If Xiao Juelou wants to insist, he'll need absolute power to override every objection. So, in public, he acts noble and selfless, handing authority to his second younger brother and presenting himself as weak, then withdraws from everyone's sight under the pretext of secluded cultivation. In secret, he may be colluding with Xu Lu, perhaps even contacting the Göktürks, to orchestrate a series of events aimed at obtaining something that can silence all opposition completely, or greatly strengthen his side..."
At this point, Lu Changfeng stopped, his brows knitting again. "But there are still things that don't add up. As a Fifth Realm Great Grandmaster, he already has overwhelming authority within Swordforging City. If he really wants to put his son in power, he could exert pressure openly, or take his time grooming Xiao Zhu and building his prestige. Why take such a tortuous route, even inviting wolves into his own house by colluding with outside enemies? Only someone weak, someone whose strength isn't enough, would need to introduce outside variables and rely on schemes to achieve his goals."
"Someone weak..."
Lu Changfeng repeated the words softly, his gaze growing cold.
How could a Fifth Realm Great Grandmaster possibly be "weak" within his own sphere of influence?
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