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“Bichen, this matter is of utmost importance. How did you learn of it?”

Zuo Youxian stared intently at Bichen, his tone more solemn than ever before. The long sword in his arms seemed to sense its master's emotions, emitting a low hum. The Meridian Qi was held back but not released, causing the air around him to distort slightly.

Yu Niaojuan abruptly sprang up from his crooked sitting position, his chaotic energy overflowing uncontrollably, causing the flames of the several large tallow candles beside him to shrink sharply, the light and shadows flickering violently, making his ugly face appear even more ferocious:
"Bullshit! The eighteenth level of the Heavenly Demon Technique is so easy to break through? If Zhu Yuyan really had that ability, she would have unified the Holy Sect long ago, why would she have waited until today?!"

Yin Zuwen's slender fingers, which had been toying with the teacup lid, froze. He slowly put the lid down, and for the first time, an extremely serious expression appeared on his effeminate face. His gaze pierced Pi Chen like needles, and he said in a deep voice, "Chairman Rong, if this is false, shaking the morale of the army is a minor matter. You can bear the responsibility of putting us in a state of utter ruin."

He deliberately used the title "Chairman Rong" to remind Bichen that everyone was now in an alliance of interests and should not speak carelessly.

Despite the crowd's doubts, Pi Chen's prosperous smile remained unchanged. He slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said unhurriedly:

"Please calm down, everyone. If I didn't have a reliable source, would I dare to make such alarmist remarks here?"

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the seemingly seamless stone wall on one side of the secret chamber, and he raised his voice slightly: "Brother Shouxuan, it seems that I need you to explain this to me personally."

A slight clicking sound rang out, and a hidden door slid open silently. A person slowly emerged from the shadows.

This man was tall and thin, with a somewhat sinister face. His eyes, as they darted around, carried a meaning that originated from the same lineage, yet was far more profound and unfathomable. He wore a dark purple robe and moved silently, like a ghost.

It was none other than Bi Shouxuan, an elder of the Yin Gui sect.

"Pi Shou Xuan?"

"You...it really was you!"

Zuo Youxian and You Niaojuan exclaimed almost simultaneously, their eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty. Yin Zuwen's pupils contracted slightly as he looked thoughtfully at the elder of the Yin Gui Sect.

The appearance of Bi Shouxuan undoubtedly added great weight to Bi Chen's words. His gaze swept over everyone present, and a grotesque smile was forced onto his sinister face. He spoke in a hoarse voice, "Gentlemen, how have you been?"

Pi Shouxuan's voice had a strange magnetism, as if it could penetrate into people's hearts, which was a manifestation of his supplementary cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique and the Soul-Capturing Technique.

“Brother Shouxuan, tell everyone what you know,” Pichen gestured.

Pi Shouxuan nodded, a complex look flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a cold glint: "What Senior Brother Pi said is true. Senior Sister... has indeed touched the threshold of the eighteenth level. Although, from what I've observed, it's not yet fully stable, and her aura fluctuates occasionally, her vast and profound demonic power is far beyond what she possessed at the peak of the seventeenth level. I dare say that her strength is already above that of Shi Zhixuan in his prime."

He paused, a hint of jealousy in his voice: "Perhaps this is precisely the source of her confidence to openly betray the Holy Gate and embrace the Heavenly Dao Alliance."

"The eighteenth floor..."

Zuo Youxian muttered, his expression growing even more grim. They were well aware of Shi Zhixuan's prowess; if Zhu Yuyan had truly surpassed Shi Zhixuan at his peak, then…

Yu Niaojuan scratched his head in frustration and spat, "Damn it! How are we supposed to play like this? That bastard Xi Ying was killed in Chengdu by those two women, Shan Meixian and Wanwan! An Long, that fatso, is nowhere to be found, and his Tianlian Sect underlings are running errands for that brat Wanwan. An Long is probably going to follow in Xi Ying's footsteps! And now that old woman Zhu Yuyan has broken through to the eighteenth level... The Heavenly Dao Alliance and the Yin Gui Sect are going to wipe us out!"

The mention of Xi Ying's death and An Long's disappearance weighed heavily on everyone present. Shan Meixian, as Zhu Yuyan's daughter, was able to kill "Heavenly Lord" Xi Ying by joining forces with Wanwan. While Xi Ying's underestimation of them was certainly a factor, it also demonstrated the formidable strength of the Yin Gui Sect's elite forces, now affiliated with the Heavenly Dao Alliance. An Long's disappearance and the change of ownership of the Heavenly Lotus Sect further proved the ruthlessness of the Heavenly Dao Alliance's consolidation methods.

Yin Zuwen took a deep breath and looked at Bi Shouxuan: "Elder Bi, since you know that Zhu Yuyan is about to break through and her strength is increasing rapidly, why do you still...?"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear: why should we be their enemy?

A hint of resentment flashed across Bi Shouxuan's face as he coldly snorted, "Why? Mr. Yin, do you know that the Yin Gui Sect of today is no longer the Yin Gui Sect of the past? In order to show her loyalty to the Heavenly Dao Alliance, Zhu Yuyan has established countless strict rules! The legal troubles... you all know about them, right? Just because someone's actions slightly exceeded the law and violated the new rules, he was personally killed by Zhu Yuyan with thunderous methods! That was an old man who had followed her for decades!"

Pi Shouxuan suddenly raised his voice, filled with indignation and resentment: "Now everyone in the sect is in danger, and they are easily punished. The Holy Sect's past style of acting swiftly and decisively has vanished! The slightest dissent is considered a 'violation of the alliance rules,' and 'their intentions are deserving of death'! If this continues, will the Yin Gui Sect still be the Yin Gui Sect? It will be nothing more than a dog under the command of the Heavenly Dao Alliance that has been tightly chained! I, Pi Shouxuan, am ashamed to be associated with it!"

These words were half true and half false, containing both genuine dissatisfaction with Zhu Yuyan's iron-fisted methods and a seemingly plausible justification for his betrayal. Undoubtedly, the fact that Zhu Yuyan personally killed Fa Nan greatly shook the morale of the Yin Gui Sect and gave Bi Shouxuan an opportunity to exploit the situation.

Zuo Youxian pondered, "So, the Yin Gui Sect isn't a monolithic entity after all... That's good news. But even so, what chance do we have against Zhu Yuyan, who is on the verge of a breakthrough?"

Pi Shouxuan smiled sinisterly, a hint of smugness mixed with malice: "Senior Sister is a genius beyond our reach. However, the eighteenth level of the Heavenly Demon Art is incredibly profound and not without flaws. Especially during the crucial moment when her power is unstable and her mind resonates with the heavens and earth, there will be an extremely brief but once-in-a-lifetime 'weak period.' At that time, her defense and reaction will be at their lowest!"

Seeing the sudden gleam in everyone's eyes, Pi Shouxuan continued by throwing out another bombshell: "Furthermore, Senior Sister treats Wanwan like her own daughter and places high hopes on her, which is her greatest obsession and weakness. If we can use Wanwan as bait, we might be able to lure her into a trap. When she is emotionally agitated and worried about her disciple's safety, it is very easy to trigger the backlash of her cultivation technique, at least preventing her from exerting her full strength, or even causing her to suffer mental and physical damage!"

Yu Niao, unable to contain his curiosity, eagerly pressed on, "When is the 'weak period'? And how is it determined? Also, what about Yang Gong's treasure vault? You just said the entrance to the vault is in Chang'an, is that true?!"

What he cared about most was ultimately the Evil Emperor's Relic. Pi Shouxuan and Pi Chen exchanged a knowing glance, with Pi Chen speaking first: "Based on our extensive inquiries, celestial calculations, and Brother Shouxuan's inside information, the most likely time is ten days from now, the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, at midnight. At that time, the moon will be hidden and the stars dim, the yin energy will be at its peak, and it will be the most suitable time for the Heavenly Demon Art to reach its full potential. If Zhu Yuyan wants to stabilize her realm and break through to perfection, she certainly won't miss this opportunity. As for the location…"

Bichen dipped his finger in the tea again and slowly and clearly wrote the two characters "Chang'an" on the smooth rosewood table.

"She actually dares to go to Chang'an?"

Zuo Youxian's pupils constricted slightly, somewhat surprised.

"The most dangerous place is often the safest place."

Bi Shouxuan said in a low voice, "Li Tang's attention is mostly focused on Wang Shichong in the east and Dou Jiande in the north. Although Chang'an City seems heavily guarded, there are still many hidden corners for us to maneuver in. More importantly..."

"The entrance to Yang Gong's Treasure Vault is in Chang'an! Moreover, the key clues to opening the treasure vault are very likely in the hands of Zhu Yuyan and Wanwan! Her trip here has two purposes: first, to use the local energy and timing of Chang'an to stabilize her cultivation; and second... specifically, to target the treasure vault! If she succeeds, the wealth within, which is comparable to that of a nation, is secondary; what she truly desires is the Evil Emperor's Relic, which can help people break through martial arts bottlenecks and contains supreme demonic power..."

"The Relic of the Evil Emperor!"

You Niaojuan's breathing became heavy again, and the greed in his eyes almost materialized: "I must get it! With it, Zhu Yuyan, Shi Zhixuan, and the leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance will all kneel at my feet!"

Although Zuo Youxian didn't lose his composure like You Niaojuan, his eyes still gleamed with fervent light. He was confident that if he could break through the bottlenecks of the Ziwu Gangqi and Renbing Sword Technique with the help of the Evil Emperor's Relic, he would be second to none. Yin Zuwen, on the other hand, thought of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng's thirst for wealth and treasures. If he could use this to achieve great merit, his position in the Li Tang dynasty would be even more secure.

Bi Chen took in everyone's reactions, secretly amused, knowing that the bait of the Evil Emperor's Relic had firmly hooked these greedy sharks. He chuckled and clapped his hands, saying, "It seems everyone understands the key point. Then, ten days from now, on the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, in Chang'an City, will be the time for us to send off the Empress Yin and open the treasure vault, a grand occasion for all!"

Yin Zuwen suppressed his excitement and regained his usual calm and collected demeanor. He looked at Bi Shouxuan and said, "At that time, Elder Bi will need to provide Zhu Yuyan's exact hiding place in Chang'an in a timely manner, and... do your best to stabilize the Yin Gui Sect and prevent others from causing trouble."

Bi Shouxuan nodded slightly and promised, "Mr. Yin, rest assured, I will do my best. There is unrest within the sect, and Wen Caiting and others are also dissatisfied with Zhu Yuyan's new policies. I will try to mediate."

Zuo Youxian slowly stroked the cold scabbard, his tone as chilling as the north wind sweeping across a sword blade: "My Renbing Sword has not drunk the blood of a Grandmaster for a long time. Zhu Yuyan's neck must be tough enough."

You Niao Juan licked his thick lips, his sinister laughter echoing in the secret chamber: "Heh heh, count me in! I want to see if the Heavenly Demon Technique, which has broken through the eighteenth level, can withstand my reverse energy! After I kill that old hag, I'll take the first bite of the treasure in the vault!"

Pi Chen's smile grew even warmer, as if he were finalizing a great deal that would please everyone: "Alright! In that case, let's swear an oath of brotherhood and cooperate sincerely! The specific details such as the ambush location, manpower allocation, and retreat route still need to be carefully considered. Chang'an is the heartland of the Li Tang dynasty, so Mr. Yin must make full use of his connections with the Crown Prince to facilitate our actions and ensure that the news is absolutely sealed off, without letting even a whisper of it leak to the Heavenly Alliance."

"It's natural."

Yin Zuwen nodded solemnly: "His Highness the Crown Prince will use the power of the 'Shadow Guards' to clear obstacles for you and provide necessary cover. There are also several absolutely safe secret residences available for use within Chang'an City."

Bi Chen nodded in satisfaction, raised his already cold teacup, and drank the tea instead of wine. His gaze swept over Zuo Youxian, You Niaojuan, and Yin Zuwen, finally landing on Bi Shouxuan: "Then, I wish us all the best in our swift success! May we slay the Jade Inkstone, seize the Treasure Vault, and share in the Holy Sect's hegemony!"

"Dry!"

Zuo Youxian, You Niaojuan, Yin Zuwen, and even the recently surrendered Pi Shouxuan all raised their cups. Several teacups clinked together in the air, producing a crisp, clear sound.

Under the candlelight, the flickering flame cast shifting shadows on several faces—some plump, some withered, some ferocious, some effeminate, some sinister.

………………

While Wanwan was implementing land surveys and household registration verification with an iron fist, and Song Shidao was making every effort to reorganize the new army, a series of more refined and far-reaching policies, under Yi Huawei's instruction, were also gradually permeating all aspects of Sichuan.

Hexinglong was originally involved in the money business, but it has now been completely reorganized into Tiandaomeng Shuzhong Money Shop and has quickly established branches in major cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Jinguancheng.

Yi Huawei ordered the issuance of fixed-amount "Tiandao Gold Notes," using the gold and silver reserves of the Tiandao Alliance, along with newly integrated bulk commodities such as salt, iron, and Shu brocade, as reserves. These notes could be exchanged for an equivalent amount of gold and silver at any branch, or used directly to pay taxes or conduct large-scale transactions with Tiandao Alliance merchants.

This move greatly facilitated merchants and travelers, reduced the risks of carrying large sums of money, and promoted commercial circulation. At the same time, money shops began selectively providing low-interest loans to reputable merchants, supporting compliant operations and cracking down on the rampant usury of the past. Although initially met with resistance from some powerful families and traditional money shops, the "Heavenly Way Gold Notes" quickly gained credibility under the strong credit backing of the Heavenly Way Alliance and the promotion of administrative power, beginning to replace some cumbersome metal currencies.

In addition, Yi Huawei ordered that all large mines, ironworks, and brocade workshops originally belonging to Duzunbao and the Bashu Alliance be brought under the unified management of the "Tiandao Alliance Craftsmanship Bureau." Skilled craftsmen from the headquarters and the Jiangnan region were assigned to various major workshops as technical supervisors.

In Qijiang Ironworks, craftsmen introduced an improved "casting method," which significantly increased the output of pig iron and the quality of steel. In Chengdu Jinguan City, new jacquard machines and dyeing techniques were introduced, optimizing the patterns and output of Shu brocade. In Yanjing, new brine extraction and salt boiling techniques were adopted, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

These government-run workshops not only produced weapons and armor to meet the needs of the new army, but also began to mass-produce high-quality agricultural tools, iron pots, cloth, and other civilian goods, releasing them to the market at relatively fair prices to stabilize prices. At the same time, they were subtly changing the traditional handicraft ecosystem. (End of Chapter)