Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 542 Do you want me?

“Um…Lord Lu…” Wei Miao’s tone was more than ten times more polite than when they met before, and there was no trace of his domineering and cool demonic demeanor: “Lord Lu has made proper arrangements. Spring Mountain Pavilion has been destroyed. How to allocate the resources is still up to Lord Lu to decide.”

Lu Xingzhou was preoccupied with Dugu Qingli's condition and had no interest in this matter: "Miss Jiang can represent me in this matter."

Jiang Yuan straightened her back slightly, showing she had regained some strength.

Wei Miao laughed and said, "No problem, no problem."

Lu Xingzhou looked at Wei Miao strangely. He had been so arrogant before, but now he was all hunched over. Could it be that the great victory in this battle had such a good effect?
After thinking for a moment, he said, "If Sect Leader Wei has no other urgent matters, he may stay at Chunshan Pavilion for a few more days. Such a major case in the Southeast, I will submit it to the court, and there will be some arrangements and divisions in the Southeast thereafter."

Wei Miao was taken aback. When they talked about their Blood Refining Sect "standing on the stage" earlier, Wei Miao didn't believe Gu Yiheng's extravagant promises. He believed Lu Xingzhou's statement, "I may have to wipe you out in the future," and thought that although Lu Xingzhou's words were unpleasant, they were honest and credible.

Judging from Lu Xingzhou's attitude now, it seems he actually wants them to be on the sidelines? How?
I don't understand what they were thinking, but this unexpected turn of events made Wei Miao quite happy to wait for the outcome. He said, "Then let's wait for the Marquis's arrangements."

Lu Xingzhou said, "Spring Mountain Pavilion has a large number of properties in the prefecture. You can send people to take them over, which would be a way to eliminate any potential threats. However, this is limited to Spring Mountain Pavilion's properties and must not be expanded or involve innocent people. Your Blood Refining Sect has already made enough money this time, so there is no need to expand further. A little restraint should be fine, right?"

Wei Miao smiled and said, "We're not mad dogs who kill indiscriminately... If you're worried, Lord Marquis, you can have the Underworld Palace accompany us."

Lu Xingzhou thought to himself, "I don't believe in the Underworld either, especially since Yan Li and you are basically the same kind of people..." He then said, "The enemy has a Mr. Ji, who is currently injured, but still has the strength of a Super Grade. This place needs strong people to guard it. Old Yan, you and Sect Master Wei should not go out. Stay here together for now."

Yan Li knew this guy didn't want him to go out and wreak havoc, so he didn't care too much: "Fine."

Lu Xingzhou added, "It's impossible for all the officials in the prefecture to be in cahoots with Hong Yin. Help me send a few people to summon the rest of the officials here. I want to conduct an investigation."

It was said that the two of them were going to Chunshan, but in reality, as long as the leader was dealt with, the other forces of the imperial court would instantly become his people, the imperial envoy Lu Xingzhou's people.

It's impossible to just let the demonic path run rampant in the county. If they did, it would probably be even more hellish than under Zang Wanchun and Hong Yin's rule.

Lu Xingzhou had no choice but to settle Dugu Qingli in the guest courtyard at the back, and kissed her forehead: "You rest first, I'll come and keep you company after I've taken care of things."

Hong Tongqingli stared at him intently, without any reaction, only uttering a soft "hmm".

The look in his eyes lacked the pure love of blue eyes; it always carried a judgmental tone, as if asking whether or not to kill this person. Suppressing his unease, Lu Xingzhou quickly went to the main hall.

Zhang Chong, the prefectural magistrate of Chunshan County, and Ye Zhennan, the commander of the Demon Suppression Division, had arrived at the main hall and were waiting there with their heads bowed, covered in sweat.

Seeing Lu Xingzhou emerge from the back hall, both men knelt down: "Greetings, Your Excellency..."

Lu Xingzhou stared at them for a long time before saying calmly, "You know that Hong Yin and Zang Wanchun murdered me?"

Both of them wiped their sweat: "We just found out."

"Did they just find out, or did they already know, and were simply assigned to guard the prefecture?"

"Your Excellency is wise, we truly had no idea!"

Lu Xingzhou didn't believe they were unaware, especially the commander of the Demon Suppression Division. Chunshan County had no garrison, only a small number of miscellaneous city guards and yamen runners; the Demon Suppression Division was the strongest official force in the county.

He can't even handle this position, yet he dares to call himself a regional warlord?

The fact that Lao Sheng in the capital did not receive any secret reports from the Demon Suppression Division regarding the situation in Chunshan County proves that even if Commander Ye Zhennan was not deeply involved in Hong Yinzang Wanchun's affairs, he was at least bribed to collude with them.

But Lu Xingzhou stared at him for a long time before finally saying slowly, "That's good."

As long as he wasn't personally involved in the hunt, Lu Xingzhou had no time to slowly solve the case. He needed to stabilize the situation in the entire county as quickly as possible and create a balance with the demonic path.

The two could roughly guess what Lu Xingzhou was thinking, and waited anxiously for his judgment.

Lu Xingzhou slowly said, "Prefect Zhang will temporarily assume the duties of the prefect. Commander Ye will be responsible for sending people to maintain order in the prefecture and to supervise the actions of the Blood Refining Sect and the Yama Palace. He will also write a detailed report on the entire Spring Mountain Prefecture, detailing everything from Hong Yin's collusion with Zang Wanchun, the dissection of mortals for research, the forced prostitution of women, and the collusion with the demonic path. Once it is written, it will be submitted to me for review."

These words did not stop the two from colluding on their story, and they both breathed a long sigh of relief: "We will definitely satisfy the Marquis."

"The Chunshan Pavilion's torture chamber and the mass grave on the back mountain contain many corpses that were dissected alive. These have all been preserved by me and will be transported to the capital along with the remaining members of Chunshan Pavilion to be handed over to Chief Sheng."

"Yes."

Lu Xingzhou looked at them meaningfully for a long time, then slowly said, "I'm waiting to see more details of your story. Go on."

The two withdrew as if granted a pardon. Lu Xingzhou pondered for a moment and then went to the treasure vault.

Jiang Yuan was happily picking out things inside when she saw Lu Xingzhou enter. She smiled and said, "The Blood Refining Sect's Yama Hall is quite modest, actually letting me pick out whatever I want first."

"Yes, very modest."

Jiang Yuan suddenly became alert, took a half step back, and opened her right hand to block in front of her: "Why aren't you with your white-haired man? What are you doing here? I'm warning you, I'm just a guard, not a maid, much less a concubine." Lu Xingzhou said irritably: "I don't think you were stupid when you were acting with Zang Wanchun."

"When have I ever been stupid?"

"……Now."

"Then tell me, why did you run into this dark, secret room?"

"You call yourselves Southeast maritime merchants. Your grandfather's cooperation with me also started with maritime trade, which means you have a base in the Southeast. Even if it's not Chunshan County, it's a neighboring county, right? Where are your ships? Where are the people in charge?"

“Uh…” Jiang Yuan scratched his head: “They are stationed at a port near the coast in a neighboring county.”

"It's close by, isn't it? Isn't this the only person we can trust here? I racked my brains trying to think of someone to use, and I almost considered asking the sea dragons to send someone."

Jiang Yuan: "...Is the only person you can trust me? Isn't it the Underworld?"

“I trust their inclinations, but not their conduct. The officials, on the other hand, will certainly assure me of their good conduct to my face now, but I don’t trust what they do behind the scenes. For now, I can only let them hold each other back and still need truly reliable people of my own to do the work.”

Jiang Yuan blinked, seemingly lost in thought.

Lu Xingzhou didn't care what she was thinking: "Send a letter to your clansmen, and I'll arrange for a few of them to become officials. Even if your clansmen are incompetent, surely some of them should be at least in the third rank?"

“The lowest level of those who can smuggle across the border with us is Tengyun, but there aren’t many of them.” Jiang Yuan released a small wooden bird, which fluttered away: “Wait here, I’ll call people right away. I wonder how many ships have been launched recently.”

Lu Xingzhou finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Qingli's condition is not good, so I can only make some rough arrangements for now. We'll deal with the more detailed arrangements later. I need to go back and treat Qingli right away. If you finish picking out the items here, please keep watch for us."

This time, Jiang Yuan readily agreed: "I was originally going to be your bodyguard."

Even when Dugu Qingli was being so horny, the two of them didn't mess around. Jiang Yuan trusts Lu Xingzhou now, so surely you two wouldn't start messing around after everything is resolved, right?
She had almost finished choosing her things, and happily tucked them into her arms: "Let's go."

Lu Xingzhou practically teleported to Dugu Qingli's side. Dugu Qingli had her eyes closed and was trembling all over, clearly suppressing her demonic intent, which was nearing its limit.

Jiang Yuan peeked in, then closed the door and stood outside.

Lu Xingzhou sat down next to Dugu Qingli, took her hand, and used the Azure Water Cleansing Technique to help her calm her mind and focus her thoughts: "I'm sorry, I need to settle the environment first, otherwise I won't be able to heal in peace."

Dugu Qingli opened her red eyes and slowly said, "You've only been gone for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. It'll be over soon."

How are you feeling now?

"The Ice Demon's will and the human's... lust are in conflict. Sooner or later one will overwhelm the other, and I can no longer maintain the balance."

Lu Xingzhou pursed his lips and frowned as he examined the situation.

Dugu Qingli suddenly asked, "Why...didn't you want me back at the bottom of the sea?"

Lu Xingzhou dared not mention respecting Jiang Yuan in front of her, fearing that Hong Tong's murderous intent would resurface, so he carefully said, "I do not wish to possess you while you are unconscious."

Dugu Qingli stared at him intently, the murderous intent in her red eyes fading slightly, and said calmly, "I am conscious now."

In context, this statement is practically tantamount to soliciting sex; only a white-haired guy could say it so casually.

Lu Xingzhou said in a low voice, "Sexual intercourse will not solve your problem. I need to carefully deduce the Mysterious Art of the Maiden."

"Why must we solve a problem before we can do anything?" Dugu Qingli repeated, "I am conscious."

Lu Xingzhou's expression turned strange, and he was speechless for a moment.

Yes, why must we do something only to solve a problem?
Since it's a mutual affection, why can't it be done purely because of liking someone?

It's a bit strange, really. After Xiaobai Mao realized her feelings, they were already mutually attracted and completely willing to be together. She was even willing to put her hand inside her clothes outdoors, just like the ancient people of Bingcheng. But Lu Xingzhou never even considered taking her in. It wasn't that he was restraining himself; he genuinely never even thought about it.

She was too innocent. Looking into her clear, clean blue eyes, I would never have any thoughts of that kind of thing. I always felt like I was holding an ice doll.

In that state, she wouldn't actively seek pleasure; all she could think about was kissing, which was the most intimate request she could make.

On the contrary, he is even more ferocious when his eyes are red.

"I want Lu Xingzhou." Dugu Qingli asked very seriously, "Forget about injuries, demonic possession, and all that nonsense, just tell me, do you want me?"

Lu Xingzhou felt as if something had struck him hard. All considerations of the situation, the environment, the advantages and disadvantages were swept away by the girl's simple and straightforward question. He subconsciously reached out and brushed aside the messy white hair at her temples, gently stroking her flawless face: "I want you. From the first moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you."

(End of this chapter)