Outside the Divine Capital, at Mang Mountain.
Rain mingled with snow. A winding expanse of wooden towers stood tall as a dozen riders galloped toward them.
At the sight of the imposing, exalted Golden Python Flying Fish Uniform worn by the man in the lead, more than two thousand people dropped to their knees with thuds and said with utmost reverence:
"We bow before Lord Jia!!"
The oldest among them was only thirty-six, and the youngest just eighteen.
All were core disciples of the major Jianghu factions!
They had lost their wager back then and been forced to pay the price.
Jia Huan looked down at them from horseback, his face expressionless.
These people were ideal pawns to send ahead. For one, they came from the Jianghu and knew all manner of esoteric folk arts, putting them in the same mold as the White Lotus Cult's followers. For another, they had connections among the various walks of life in Jiangnan, which would make the Embroidered Uniform Guard's work easier.
"Rise!" he commanded.
The more than two thousand young Jianghu talents rose to their feet.
Beyond reverence, their eyes held intense fear.
None of them were fools. They were surely going south with the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
Jia Huan gave Drunkard and Iron Palm a look.
His two trusted subordinates immediately brought out rosewood boxes containing several thousand pills.
Jia Huan said coldly:
"Your sects all supported the traitor Jiang Wuyuan. That you still live is already a mercy from me. Cooperate honestly, and do not defy me!"
Drunkard and Iron Palm approached the first row, staring fixedly at the young Jianghu talents before taking out the poison pills.
Everyone's expression turned ugly, but none dared disobey.
*He might not be able to deal with Jiang Wuji, but couldn't he still