Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 570 Schemes (Part Two)

Snowdrift Courtyard and Nine-Bend Courtyard were originally the two weakest courtyards in Jingtian Manor. Even if they were combined, they might not be a match for the other courtyards.

In addition, their decades-long friendship, like that of blood sisters, has allowed them to stand together through thick and thin for many years.

Therefore, upon receiving news of Fang He's death, Gongsun Jing, the head of Piaoxue Academy, immediately sought out Zhong Yunxiu to discuss countermeasures.

“It’s the same in my Nine-Bend Academy. Many disciples have some complaints about the actions of Master Zhao Ziyang…” Zhong Yunxiu nodded. “Especially recently, there have been too many changes in the academy, and the disciples don’t feel a strong sense of belonging to Jingtian Academy.”

Now the news has spread that the lord of the manor killed the deputy lord... This... he's too ruthless..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Gongsun Jing understood her meaning. With the Autumn Slaughter policy and the reform of the government army, Jingtian Manor was already in a precarious position, facing constant turmoil and uncertainty.

As a result, Fang He died again.

Fang He was indeed unscrupulous in his actions and made many mistakes, and he certainly deserved to die. But he was merely evil, not incompetent.

When he served as the deputy head of the manor, he did put forward many important policies, which benefited many disciples in the sect.

In comparison, compared to Zhao Ziyang, the manor lord who doesn't care about anything...

Fang He, the deputy head of the manor, clearly had higher prestige.

As a result, Fang He died and was eventually discovered. Although he had many wounds, the fatal injuries were caused by Zhao Ziyang.

This led to many disciples in Jingtian Manor becoming indignant and resentful, accusing Zhao Ziyang of his usual inaction.

Fang He could die, but to die at Zhao Ziyang's hands, what kind of mess is that? It's one thing if you don't manage things normally, but to go and harm the deputy head of the manor who is in charge?

Moreover, they were cooperating with external forces to jointly attack their own deputy head of the manor?

Isn't this a classic case of colluding with outsiders and betraying one's own people?

"It's not that he's ruthless, it's just his nature. Do you think his nickname 'Azure Dragon' was given for nothing?" Gongsun Jing curled her lips.

This was all earned by Zhao Ziyang in his youth, through countless battles and bloodshed.

But then, she gently grasped Zhong Yunxiu's hand and whispered, "No matter what, we'll stick to the old method. My Piaoxiang Courtyard and your Jiuqu Courtyard will stand together and discuss things together. Even if Jingtian Manor is gone, we can still look after each other."

Zhao Ziyang's lack of management skills shocked the various departments. The two women discussed the situation for a long time, finally realizing that if things continued to develop in the current direction…

Ultimately, the best outcome for Jingtianzhuang is that it will eventually disperse and become independent.

Zhong Yunxiu looked at her good friend with some gratitude. She didn't have many friends in Jingtian Manor, but Gongsun Jing was the only one who had always supported her.

“That makes sense. Our two institutions will both benefit from cooperation, and both will suffer if we separate.” She smiled and said, “Thank you for all these years.”

Over the years, if it weren't for Gongsun Jing's constant support, she might not have been able to persevere.

“Huh…” Gongsun Jing suddenly pulled her hand back. “You’re so old, why are you being so sentimental… Jingtian Manor has split up before, what’s there to worry about?”

“That’s true. If we can get through those tough times, can’t we go back?” Zhong Yunxiu smiled. “Besides, even if things got tougher, could they be as difficult as those previous years?”

"Alright, let's settle on this for now." Gongsun Jing said seriously, "The properties of Piaoxue Courtyard will be transferred in the coming days. We will try to keep those that are unrelated to your Jiuqu Courtyard. Please be careful when you take over."

"Alright, I will also send a message to all my disciples, instructing them not to go out and to be able to evacuate quickly if anything happens."

Zhong Yunxiu nodded.

……………

……………

Deep in the dense forest.

Surrounded by towering ancient trees, their massive, dark brown trunks obscure everything, forming a large open space in the center of which lies a pool of lush green water.

In the middle of the pool, a dark green pavilion stands quietly.

The entire building complex appears to be constructed from some kind of special wood, with a solid foundation that prevents it from rotting when exposed to water.

Countless green lotus leaves are scattered across the middle of the pool, gently swaying in the current. Ancient trees all around hang down with pale green vines, and people occasionally use these vines to step onto the lotus leaves and reach the central pavilion.

At this moment, on the terrace of the tallest pavilion in the very center of the building, stood several men and women dressed in light green robes.

"So... Fang He... is really dead?" Qiu Xiaoxiao asked in a low voice, her back to everyone, looking down at the pool below.

There was nothing unusual about her voice, nor could anyone see her expression; no one knew how she was feeling.

"Yes, although it's a bit far, Xiao Hei has observed it and there shouldn't be any mistakes," Li Feng replied cautiously, head down.

Little Black was the black bird with jet-black feathers and pink eyes perched on his shoulder. At that moment, the bird was preening its feathers.

"Okay, then there shouldn't be any mistake..." Qiu Xiaoxiao slowly turned around, her face looking grim.

Li Feng was a new disciple recruited by the Green Robe Alliance a few years ago.

Although he was not strong at first, he was mature and steady in character, and had good talent. In addition, he was a refugee who fled from Pingzhou, with a clean background and no family wealth.

So in just a few years, he grew into a disciple of the Seven Leaves, responsible for observing and collecting all kinds of events, big and small, that happened in Huayang City, and was deeply trusted.

"Alliance Leader... what's next..."

Li Feng noticed that Qiu Xiaoxiao was a little distracted and that he had been waiting for a while, so he couldn't help but remind her.

"Oh, then you can stay in the city for now and wait for my next order." Qiu Xiaoxiao came back to her senses and quickly said, "Fang He's death means that Jingtianzhuang has been tolerant. Once Jingtianzhuang is tolerant, the government army will act even more recklessly."

"You mean, they might take action against us..." Li Feng asked softly.

"It's hard to say." Qiu Xiaoxiao shook her head. "In the recent saltpeter explosion case, Fang He was also one of the key participants. If the government army just wanted to establish its authority, Fang He's death would be enough to quiet them down for a while... I'm just afraid..."

She sighed deeply: "Well, all we can do is strengthen our defenses and avoid going out unnecessarily in the near future. Li Feng, you take good care of your troops and make sure to keep a close eye on the movements of the government troops."

"Okay." Li Feng nodded solemnly.

He had wandered from Pingzhou all the way to where he is today, and it was the Green Robe Alliance that took him in and regarded him as a key person to be cultivated and nurtured.

Whether the Green-Clad Alliance is righteous or evil, he doesn't care.

All he knew was that he had to repay this kindness, no matter what.

After performing the ceremony, Li Feng was just about to leave.

"Wait a minute." Suddenly Qiu Xiaoxiao called out to him again.

"You've worked hard tracking Fang He this time, go and get some rest. The surveillance of the government troops will keep you busy for a while." Qiu Xiaoxiao flicked her finger, and tiny green light spots shot out and landed precisely on Li Feng's chest. The true energy flowed into his skin under his clothes like water flowing into the sea.

Li Feng suddenly felt a shiver run through his body, and his body felt warm and comfortable. He knew that Qiu Xiaoxiao had used her own power to cleanse his body and heal his hidden injuries. He quickly bowed to Qiu Xiaoxiao again in gratitude.

Qiu Xiaoxiao didn't take it to heart and waved for him to leave.

"Old Li, how did it go? What did the leader say?" Just as Li Feng came down the stairs, he heard someone calling him from the doorway.

It was none other than his fellow villager, his good brother who had gone through hardships with him from Pingzhou, Pan Sheng.

"Let's keep a close eye on things, but don't alert them. The main thing is to keep an eye on the movements of the government troops," Li Feng said helplessly.

“Foolish…” Pan Sheng sighed. “There’s no such thing as being a thief for a thousand days and guarding against thieves for a thousand days… I think there are only two choices now: either evacuate the headquarters as soon as possible, or take action against the government army in advance to let them know that our Green Robe Alliance is not to be trifled with, and give up their plans as soon as possible.” “Perhaps the Third Alliance Leader has other plans. Let’s not speculate.” Li Feng also shook his head helplessly.

He knew perfectly well that his good brother was right, but Qiu Xiaoxiao was not like the Grand Alliance Leader; she was rough and lacked attention to detail in many aspects of her work.

However, Qiu Xiaoxiao is the type of person who cannot tolerate different opinions, so it would be undesirable if he rashly voiced his opposition.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's just do what we're supposed to do. If anything goes wrong, those big shots will take the blame," Li Feng instructed.

"I know, I'm just feeling a little upset." Pan Sheng nodded.

He has been wandering since Pingzhou, and has suffered many hardships along the way. He has witnessed many life and death, and his previously somewhat impulsive nature has become much more composed as a result.

"By the way, did you find out anything about the person I asked you to investigate?" Li Feng suddenly asked. "You mean Han Yi, the renowned martial arts master from Jing Tian Manor?" Pan Sheng shook his head. "Too much to do lately, no time. Do you really think it's him? He's a big shot!"

Back then, he and Li Feng went to Pingzhou Prefecture on official business for their sect. Before they could finish, news of the demonic disaster in Anyan City arrived.

The people who escaped one after another told them that the Crimson Flame Sect had been wiped out, and the entire city had been turned into a demonic realm and destroyed in an instant.

Left with no other choice, the two of them channeled their grief and anger into strength, joining the anti-demon alliance to fight against the demon army.

Unfortunately, the demon army was too powerful, and their anti-demon alliance suffered defeat after defeat, eventually scattering and fleeing to Yunzhou to eke out a living.

"I also don't think it's very likely, but I just wanted you to check it out, so I can keep it in mind," Li Feng sighed.

There are countless people in this world with the same name, and Han is a common surname, so there are quite a few people named Han Yi.

The junior brother in my memory, whose face was somewhat blurry and indistinct, most likely died in An'yan City. "..."

Pan Sheng also fell silent, speechless.

"Old Li." Suddenly, he spoke again.

"how?"

"What if, you say, that person really is... really is Junior Brother Han?" Pan Sheng's tone was hesitant, revealing some doubt and confusion. Obviously, even he himself didn't quite believe it.

“Perhaps we will be implicated, or perhaps the higher-ups don’t care,” Li Feng quickly replied. “Actually, it all depends on our choices.”

"Why…..."

Although his words were vague, Pan Sheng understood what he meant.

Jingtian Manor and the Green Robe Alliance: one is a prestigious and righteous sect, and the other is a criminal organization.

With the exception of Fang He, the relationship was always one of hostility. Now that Fang He is dead, the only link between them has been severed, which means there is no room for reconciliation between them, only hostility remains.

If the investigation reveals that it really is the junior brother Han Yi they remember, and that their relationship is known to others.

This will inevitably involve the two of them.

Or they could force them to make a choice, or they could be made to try to make contact and recreate a "fairness," or they could use their lives as a bargaining chip to coerce the other party.

Neither of these choices is what Pan Sheng and Li Feng want to see.

This is also the key reason why Mr. Pan has been slow to investigate this matter.

He worried that once the truth came out, it would likely attract attention from others.

At that time, they had no control over what they wanted to do; they couldn't control their own destiny...

……………

……………

At the foot of Qiyun Mountain.

Inside a large, secluded manor, the sounds of punching and shouting during exercise could be heard from time to time.

"Master Han."

"Master Han..."

As Han Yi walked by, the disciples practicing martial arts in the courtyard stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.