"The source of all evil?" Ning Yue whispered, then asked again, "It's just that I heard this Hunter Association was founded by a master from the Demon Slayer Division, whose strength has already entered the Acquired Realm. The association gathers heroes and righteous individuals from the martial world, and they have slain countless demons without being overly concerned with power struggles."
"How can it be called the source of all evil?"
Xue Ren sneered, "Heh! Their initial intentions were naturally good, and their actions are impeccable, but this organization has a mixed bag of members and is not under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. The key is that the rewards from hunting demons are incredibly lucrative. While it's true that demon forces are rampant and cause chaos throughout the land, their bodies are also full of treasures."
"Just take the Swift Wind Rabbits and Yellow Crown Chickens; selling them to various restaurants has boosted countless businesses. The Jade Blood Snakes and Tiger Horned Deer, sold to various pharmacies, have fattened the purses of how many people? And the various trade routes that have sprung up from all this have attracted countless individuals."
"Noble families, gangs, and local strongmen—all these forces are intertwined because of this. And these people are all skilled martial artists, full of vigor. It would be strange if nothing went wrong."
Ning Yue nodded secretly. With interests tied together, the Hunter Association had already become an ally to all forces. But human nature is prone to change, and private struggles for profit and disputes over trade routes would never cease.
It was like Hong Kong in the 80s and 90s, where triad gangs gathered members, fought for territory, and engaged in endless bloody battles for profit. In the end, the victorious forces expanded to the point where even the government was helpless.
"But... this master President, who was formerly from the Demon Slayer Division, was trapped in the demon heartland two days ago and is now missing!" Xue Ren's tone shifted, dropping a bombshell.
Ning Yue was startled. Even a master of the Acquired Realm could not move freely within the Demon Clan Great Mountain.
"Was it a setup, or an accident?"
"It's hard to say right now," Xue Ren shook his head, "However, there's one thing I can say for sure."
Ning Yue was eager to know, "What is it?"
"Our Zongqi Qi's tough days are probably coming," Xue Ren said with a smile.
Ning Yue thought to himself: My tough days are still ahead.
I must enjoy myself while I can!
......
That night, inside the City Lord's Mansion.
"Father~, why did you send him to a place like that, and for a whole year at that!"
"What's the difference between this and exile?!" Zhao Silu was truly angry, disregarding their father-daughter relationship and openly reprimanding the formidable Fourth-Rank General Xuanwu.
Zhao City Lord chuckled, not getting angry. He pointed a finger and said, "You can't blame me for this; it was all your elder brother's idea."
Anyone who could become a Fourth-Rank General, no matter how reckless their personality, could effortlessly pass the buck.
Zhao Silu, fuming, shifted her gaze.
Zhao Xingwu spread his hands and sighed, saying, "Sister, you don't know, but Longxi has already become a city within Gu City, and the situation is precarious. Your brother had no choice!"
"That Ning Yue has a clever mind and solid martial arts skills. He seems like someone who can get things done. Sending him there might stir up some activity."
Zhao Silu pondered, then twirled the hem of her purple tassel skirt, still not appeased as she asked, "Then my second brother's martial arts are even better, why not send him?!"
Zhao Zhige, who had been secretly feeling relieved, heard this and his face changed. He finally experienced the feeling of betrayal.
His good sister, whom he had doted on for over a decade, had changed her heart overnight, and her elbow was now turning outwards!
Zhao Zhige's chest ached from the figurative elbow jab!
Zhao City Lord then spoke a fair word: "Your second brother is simple and sincere, and not good at arguing with others. In Longxi, you can't stand firm by just relying on your fists."
Zhao Zhige's face grew even uglier.
Zhao Xingwu secretly snickered.
Zhao City Lord added, "Longxi is a troublesome place that we must guard against. Silu, don't worry, the two places are only about 20 li apart. If things go awry, I will send someone to recall Ning Yue and ensure his safety."
Zhao Silu finally relaxed. Her eyes darted around twice, then she suddenly asked, "Big Brother, does our Tongji Pharmacy not have a branch there?"
Zhao Xingwu was startled, a bad premonition rising in his heart. He said in a deep voice, "Indeed, we don't."
Zhao Silu smiled. Under the bright candlelight, her light purple, conjoined purple tassel dress made her look like a fairy among flowers.
"Then let's open one! I've never experienced being a boss in all my life!"
"This..." Zhao Xingwu hesitated for a moment. Having just sent her beloved away, and now not allowing the two to be together, he was afraid his sister would truly fall out with him, and it would be hard to appease her later.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Zhige, who was nearby, finally seized the opportunity and angrily refused, "Absolutely not! Longxi borders the wilderness, and humans and demons are mixed there. It's too dangerous. Sister cannot go!"
Alas! His sister had hurt him a thousand times, .......
Zhao Silu turned and glared at her second brother, "Then Second Brother, you come with me! I don't believe anyone can beat my Second Brother!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhige's sadness immediately turned to joy. He pulled up the front of his martial uniform, which was embroidered with golden dragons, and proudly declared, "Does that even need to be said?!"
"Hahahaha..." The two onlookers both laughed.
Zhao Xingwu and his father exchanged glances, then both said in unison, "This won't do!"
"And why not again?" Zhao Silu was exasperated.
Zhao Xingwu pointed a finger to the sky and gently reminded her, "Have you forgotten? In a little over two months, the Ethereal Sect in the clouds will begin accepting disciples..."
Zhao City Lord waved his hand and said, "Zhige, take your sister and quickly practice your evening lessons. Don't delay."
And so, the expressionless Zhao Zhige dragged his sister, who was desperately struggling and unwilling to leave, slowly away, losing countless sparkling little pearls along the way.
After the two left, the noisy hall finally quieted down.
Zhao Xingwu looked at his sister, who was feigning misery but truly acting spoiled, and felt a little heartache.
He then asked, "Father, do you truly not allow my sister to go to Longxi? If it's about danger, we can send people to protect her in secret, so there's no need to worry too much."
It was just a town, after all, and now that the Hunter Association's Acquired Realm President was gone, with the Zhao family's foundation, they could certainly provide a few Blood Exchange Realm guards.
Zhao Nantin smiled bitterly and shook his head, "I'm afraid I won't be able to withstand your sister's constant pestering in the future."
Zhao Xingwu laughed, "That's also because you spoiled her."
"But I wonder what kind of bewitching potion that kid Ning Yue gave my sister? She's so concerned. If he accidentally falls into trouble there, I'm afraid it will be hard to explain to my sister later."
Zhao City Lord picked up his teacup, took a sip, and narrowed his eyes, saying, "He won't fall so easily. Judging by his performance today, he's someone who knows what he's doing."
"Moreover, the waters of Longxi are already murky enough. If we can't clear the silt and manage the sand, then let it get a little murkier. I don't expect Ning Yue to be able to govern this chaotic city well; I only ask that he doesn't remain silent and stir up no trouble at all."
Zhao Xingwu mused, "Noble families monopolize land and gather people, gangs constantly fight and are only out for profit, and there are local strongmen who sway with the wind, local despots, and various forces from the Hunter Association. Tsk tsk tsk, it's truly chaotic enough."
"Father," Zhao Xingwu then smiled, a cunning smile, "I think it will be truly difficult for Ning Yue to govern Longxi properly, but to throw this place into chaos, I think this kid's ability to fish in troubled waters is quite proficient."
Zhao Nantin raised an eyebrow and also smiled. He put down his teacup, stroked his beard, and said boldly, "It's just a bit of petty wealth; let him earn it!"
"But no matter what, we won't lose out."