Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Just then, extremely light footsteps came from outside the hall. Zhao Yuanming's spirits lifted, and he said in a deep voice, "Come in!"

A trusted guard pushed open the door and entered, reporting in a low voice: "Lord, we just received a secret report that there has been unusual activity at the Li family's Southwest Manor tonight. It seems that a convoy has been entering and leaving late at night, and the number of guards has increased several times compared to usual. Moreover... there are faint abnormal spiritual energy fluctuations coming from inside the manor, as if... some kind of formation is in operation."

Zhao Yuanming suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light!

Southwest Manor! It's the Li family's property that was vaguely mentioned in the ledger and whose location coincides with the direction of the mine outside the city!

"They really can't sit still anymore!" Zhao Yuanming sneered, then ordered, "Increase surveillance! No one is to alert them without my permission!"

"yes!"

After the guards withdrew, Zhao Yuanming slowly sat back in his chair, his fingers gripping the armrests tightly. The Li family's unusual behavior confirmed the authenticity of the evidence delivered by the brother and sister, and also meant that a storm was truly brewing!

He glanced at the dark night sky outside the window, as if he could feel the enormous whirlpool hidden beneath the surface of the water spinning faster and faster. And he himself, as well as the mysterious brother and sister, had been swept into the center of this whirlpool.

"So be it! What's meant to be will be!" A resolute glint flashed in Zhao Yuanming's eyes. "Li Maocai, since you're courting death, don't blame me for being ruthless! It's time for a change in the political climate of Black Mountain City!"

He took out a communication jade talisman, hesitated for a moment, and finally infused it with spiritual power, whispering a few words. The jade talisman transformed into a stream of light and flew towards the Zhao family's main residence in the north of the city.

He finally made this move. Now, it remains to be seen how the Zhao family will respond, and... what role will that mysterious pair of "rogue cultivator siblings" play in this impending storm?

While Su Xiao and his companions were recuperating and observing the situation at the inn, in the northern district of Black Mountain City, deep within a mansion far more magnificent than the city lord's mansion, in a brightly lit, sandalwood-scented quiet room, the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

Zhao Kuo, the head of the Zhao family, was an elderly man with a thin face and wearing a dark gold cloud-patterned robe (mid-Foundation Establishment stage). He was sitting upright in the main seat of the rosewood armchair, his fingers gently stroking the warm jade on the armrest.

On the mahogany tea table in front of him, there were prominently displayed the replica of the photographic stone and the tattered pages of the account book.

City Lord Zhao Yuanming sat somewhat reservedly at the lower end of the table, carefully observing the expression on the face of the elder of the main family.

On either side of the quiet room stood several core members of the Zhao family, all at the late stage of Qi Refining. Their auras were deep and their eyes were gleaming, as if they were plotting something.

"Yuanming," Zhao Kuo finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority, "Are you sure this item... was 'accidentally' picked up by that pair of rogue cultivators of unknown origin?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "unintentionally".

Zhao Yuanming's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stood up, respectfully replying, "Elder Kuo, it's absolutely true! It was Steward Liu Neng who said it himself. The brother and sister put down their things and left without saying anything more."

"But...but this matter is of great importance. The beast-controlling runes in the recording stone and the marks on the ledger all point to the Li family's southwest manor! I believe it's better to believe it's true than not!"

"Hmph!" Zhao Kuo remained noncommittal, letting out a cold snort as his gaze swept over the blurry yet ferocious runes on the recording stone.

"The Li family... Li Maocai, has become increasingly restless these past few years. He's gotten involved with Liuyunfang, does he think he can control everything in Black Mountain City? Controlling demonic beasts and wreaking havoc in the city—this is a grave taboo in the cultivation world! How dare he!"

A plump elder with a ruddy complexion, standing to Zhao Kuo's left, interjected, "Brother Kuo, that's true, but this matter needs further consideration. Based solely on this piece of dubious evidence, it's probably difficult to convict the Li family."

"What if this is a frame-up? If we act rashly, wouldn't we fall into someone's trap? Besides, what about Liuyun Workshop..."

His words were cautious, clearly showing his apprehension about the powerful backers behind the Li family.

Another elder with a stern face retorted, "Elder Fu, you are mistaken! There's no smoke without fire! The Li family has expanded rapidly in recent years, and their actions have become increasingly arrogant; there have been signs of this for some time!"

"In this monster incident, most of the victims were merchant caravans that had dealings with my Zhao and Wang families, while the Li family suffered the least loss, which is suspicious!"

"Now that we have this evidence, it's the perfect opportunity for us to strike! If we sit idly by and allow the Li family to grow stronger, where will the Zhao family find a place to stand in Black Mountain City in the future?!"

"Elder Li makes it sound so easy!" Elder Zhao Fu, the portly elder, said discontentedly. "Launch an attack? How? Directly storm the Li family's gates? That old codger Li Maocai is already at the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining. There must be arrays and traps inside the manor. A direct attack would result in too many losses! If we can't kill him in one blow, we'll only suffer the consequences! If Liuyunfang uses this as an excuse to intervene, how will we deal with it?"

The two elders started arguing, and the others also voiced their opinions, filling the quiet room with a cacophony of debate.

Some advocated immediately joining forces with the Wang family to put pressure on the Li family; others thought they should secretly collect more evidence and wait for the right opportunity; still others suggested simply leaking the evidence to the Wang family and letting them be the first to speak out.

Zhao Yuanming stood below, anxious but dared not interrupt. The elders of the main family were more concerned with the interests and risks of the clan; his safety and prestige as the lord of a collateral branch were secondary.

"Enough!" Zhao Kuo slammed his hand on the armrest. His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire quiet room. His cloudy yet sharp gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Zhao Yuanming.

"Yuanming, as the city lord, what is your opinion on this matter?" Zhao Kuo threw the question back at him, clearly wanting to test his resolve and courage as the "person involved."

Zhao Yuanming knew this was an opportunity to prove himself, a moment that would determine his fate. He straightened his back and said in a deep voice:

"Elder Kuo, fellow elders! Yuanming believes that this matter certainly requires caution, but we must not back down!"

He surveyed the crowd, his tone growing stronger: "The Li family's unauthorized control of demonic beasts has crossed a line! This trend must not be allowed to continue! If they dare to wreak havoc on the city today, they will dare to attack my Zhao family tomorrow! The evidence may not be fatal, but it is enough to give us a legitimate reason to act!"

"If we back down now, the City Lord's Mansion will lose all prestige. How will the various forces in Black Mountain City view my Zhao family then? At that time, with people's hearts scattered, I'm afraid my Zhao family will collapse on its own before the Li family even has to lift a finger!"

He paused, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes: "As for Liuyunfang... Hmph, their relationship with the Li family is nothing more than collusion for profit. If we can swiftly and decisively prove the Li family's crimes, and even... silence them forever!"

"Would Liuyunfang really wage a full-scale war against the Zhao family for the sake of a dead collaborator? The meager interests in Black Mountain City aren't worth their fuss!"

These words not only analyzed the situation and demonstrated a tough stance, but also implied a desire to "cut the weeds and eliminate the roots," which made many elders present nod in agreement.

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in Zhao Kuo's eyes, but his face remained impassive, subtly conveying a sense of testing:

"Easier said than done. How can we achieve 'thunderous force'? The Li family manor is heavily guarded, and Li Maocai himself is not weak in cultivation. A direct attack is definitely not the best strategy."

Zhao Yuanming was overjoyed, knowing that the elder was interested, and quickly revealed his plan: "Elder Kuo, you are wise! A direct attack is certainly not advisable. I believe we can take a two-pronged approach!"