I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 138 Annihilation of the Army
The white light burst forth, as if turning the mountain wind into fuel.

Wherever it passed, snow and frost instantly turned into steam, pine needles popped, and tree bark rolled up.

The pillar of fire swept across the valley, the forest seemed to be cleaved open by a hot knife, smoke billowed, the barren mountains turned into a sea of ​​fire, and even the white stones were ignited.

The flock of birds took flight, only to be struck by the heatwave and turn into a wisp of gray feather.

Flames roared, and the air distorted into ripples.

In the blink of an eye, an area of ​​a hundred feet in radius had been reduced to scorched earth.

Xue Xiang didn't even leave behind any corpse fragments. Ning Qianjun jumped off the beast's back, and wisps of smoke immediately rose from the soles of his shoes.

He quickly leaped into the air, unleashing his spiritual power to shake the ground and fly through the air.

He walked through the scorched earth circle several times, but still couldn't find Xue Xiang's magic talisman.

"not dead?"

Ning Qianjun found it hard to believe.

How could one escape such a raging fire, powerful enough to burn mountains and boil seas?
But if someone dies, the talisman will never be burned.

"Wait, this bastard has a teleportation talisman."

Ning Qianjun suddenly understood, "Damn it, you bastard, you escaped a disaster."

Very well, I'd like to see if you dare to come to Lingyun Peak again.

If you don't come, you won't be able to complete the task, you won't be able to deliver, and you'll be finished just the same.

………………

As noon approached, the snow and fog had not yet dissipated, but the market at the foot of Lengcui Peak was beginning to fill with voices.

Xue Xiang returned from the mountain path, his body covered in frost.

As soon as he stepped into the mountain gate, he saw the clerks of the Ninth Hall voluntarily parting ways, and Wang Bodang standing with his hands behind his back, a cold smile on his face.

"Vice President Xue, I heard you caused quite a stir at Lingyun Peak yesterday?"

He lowered his voice deliberately, but everyone around could hear him: "I heard you burned half a mountain, but did you find any evidence?"

Immediately, some people in the crowd chuckled softly.

Wang Bo stepped forward, his gaze carrying deliberate contempt, and paused on Xue Xiang's shoulder and neck. "Going alone, returning empty-handed, and falsely reporting your achievements, I advise you to go back and wash your neck clean before waiting to be put in shackles."

Upon hearing this, even the cold wind seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xue Xiang's eyes turned cold. "The task I have accepted will be completed."

Wang Bodang stood with his hands behind his back and burst out laughing, "Xue Xiang, aren't you afraid of biting off more than you can chew?"

Xue Xiang's brow furrowed, but his tone remained calm, "If I accomplish this, what then?"

Wang Bodang glanced at him sideways, seemingly intrigued by his confidence, and snorted, "If you can really do it, the Spiritual Property Cleaning Room will operate independently from now on, and its actions will no longer need to be reported to the Nine Halls."

He abruptly changed the subject, a cold glint in his eyes, "But if you fail to do it, you should automatically submit a letter to take responsibility."

"By the way, how about I give you three days?"

"I will return to Lingyun Peak in less than three days."

Xue Xiang's expression was ashen. After speaking, he turned and left.

His disheveled figure, rushing into the wind and snow, inexplicably exuded an aura that stunned everyone present.

Wang Bodang snorted coldly and quickly returned to the public room. Before long, the golden eagle fluttered down and then fluttered away again.

........................

Xue Xiang stepped back onto the mountainside of Lingyun Peak, and it was nearly late afternoon.

Snow mist hung low, and the ridgeline of Lingyun Peak disappeared into the vastness, the mountain colors and the sky almost blending into one.

The cold wind howled, carrying a needle-like chill. His eyes were colder than the wind and snow. He slightly unfolded the Wind-Stopping Step, and his whole body seemed to glide forward with the wind.

The mountain path narrows as you go up, snow covers the rocks, and dead branches lie scattered about.

Before long, Xue Xiang returned to the site of the previous fierce battle.

The ground, burned to black ash, is now covered by heavy snow.

He stood motionless for a long time, when suddenly a gust of wind blew in his face.

"It's the same old story, when will it ever end?"

Xue shouted loudly.

The wind obediently stopped, and then the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle flew over, skimming along the mountain ridge.

Ning Qianjun stood on his back, his cloak fluttering, a half-smile on his face, the sun in his palm lighting up, transforming into a phoenix feather pattern, with blood flowing between the lines.

"Xue Xiang, now that you're here, don't leave."

After putting on the cloak, Ning Qianjun spoke for the first time.

Just then, the phoenix feather pattern on his palm suddenly ignited with a crimson-gold light.

The light was not simply spiritual energy, but a scorching pulse carrying the aura of flesh and blood, as if the heart of an ancient beast was reviving and beating in his palm.

"open."

With a low shout, blood-red light surged from Ning Qianjun's palm like veins.

The Golden Flame Eagle beside him trembled violently as the blood-red light from Ning Qianjun's palm entered its body.

The Golden Flame Eagle's pupils suddenly contracted, and the next moment, all the feathers on its body stood up, as if countless golden and black longswords were being drawn from their sheaths in the mountain wind.

boom!
A surge of intense blood energy erupted from the Flame Eagle's body, transforming into dozens of crimson-gold pillars that pierced through the mountains and forests, forming a crisscrossing network.

The snow-covered trees in the mountains were instantly bathed in a crimson glow, and the air was compressed into a solid mass, emitting a muffled hum.

Between the pillars of light, faint phantoms of phoenix feathers and raging flames seemed to flow.

"Burning blood to form an array."

Xue Xiang's pupils contracted slightly, and he felt as if the world around him suddenly froze, as if a huge boulder was pressing down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

"The phoenix draws blood, and wild beasts form the array. To die under such a wondrous array, Xue Xiang, you can rest in peace with a smile."

Ning Qianjun suddenly pulled open his cloak, revealing a face so ferocious it looked like he wanted to devour someone.

In an instant, the mountain forest shrouded in crimson-gold light was formed, and the grand formation was complete.

The mountain wind whipped Ning Qianjun's long hair, his eyes bloodshot. "Xue Xiang."

His voice was deep and slow, each word like a nail driven into the bone.

"Do you still remember how you ruined my future and expelled me from the Trial Realm?"

A glint of ruthless rage flashed in his eyes, and his voice suddenly rose: "Do you know how many people laughed at my Ning family that day!"

Ning Qianjun approached step by step, "Do you think that by becoming the top scholar in the county examination, you can contend with my Ning family?"

joke! "

He sneered, the curve of his lips carrying a deep-seated contempt, "So what if you managed to become the top scholar in the county examination? In front of me, you'll always be nothing but a piece of trash."

He leaned down, his gaze level with Xue Xiangping's, and his voice was low and hissing: "Now your life is in my hands."

Beg for mercy! Even if you beg for mercy, I still won't give you a quick death...

Ning Qianjun burst into loud laughter, his laughter filled with madness.

Suddenly, the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle let out a low cry, its voice carrying a distinct tremor, completely different from its previous ferocity, like a mournful cry from someone deeply trapped in bloodline fear.

Its feathers bristled slightly, its wings tightened, and its limbs moved restlessly on the ground, as if trying to retreat.

Ning Qianjun frowned, about to reprimand him, when a wave of heat suddenly came from behind him.

He was startled and turned around abruptly.

Deep within the forest, the snow mist was forcefully dispersed by an invisible force, revealing a clear and bright expanse.

In the clear sky, a huge blue dragon head slowly emerged.

The scales gleamed with a cold, eerie green light in the fading sunlight, and the eyes, like two bright, azure moons, had vertical pupils that had shrunk into sharp cracks, staring intently at him.

The dragon's breath rolled in, carrying an ancient and supreme pressure that made Ning Qianjun's heart tremble.

In that instant, the smile on his face froze completely, his pupils contracted sharply, and he even forgot to breathe.

"dragon……"

A trembling sound escaped his throat; what arose in his heart was not fighting spirit, but a fear that pierced to the bone.

The Azure Dragon's vertical pupils suddenly contracted, and the next instant, its massive mouth slowly opened.

A deep dragon's roar exploded like rolling thunder through the mountains and forests, shattering the snow mist into countless white fragments that swirled upwards into the sky.

Ning Qianjun shouted "Go!" countless times in his heart, but his feet were uncontrollable and firmly rooted to the ground.

The Golden Flame Eagle's pupils were stretched to their limit by fear, and a shrill wail escaped its throat.

The mountain wind suddenly reversed, transforming into a powerful vortex that swept up snow and withered branches from the sky.

The swirling force originated from the giant mouth of the Azure Dragon.

It didn't spew out flames or wind blades, but rather a tornado formed from condensed energy.

The tornado, like a tangible torrent, with an unparalleled pulling force, instantly enveloped Ning Qianjun and the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle.

The tornado was released from the dragon's mouth and then disappeared into it.

In that brief exchange of entry and exit, Ning Qianjun and the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle vanished without a trace.

The enormous dragon head slowly raised, its whiskers fluttering in the wind, its eyes fixed on Xue Xiang not far away, as clear as a deep blue sea.

That gaze was heavy and authoritative, as if he were scrutinizing an insignificant intruder.

Xue Xiang felt a slight tightness in his chest, but still clasped his hands in a fist and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your help, senior."

The Azure Dragon did not respond; its giant eyes narrowed slightly, as if it were snorting coldly.

Suddenly, it flared its nostrils and exhaled a burst of scorching wind.

The snow beneath Xue Xiang's feet was instantly swirled up, his body was overturned like a falling leaf, and he rolled several feet before regaining his footing.

Before he could even get up, he heard a sound like the flapping of wings and thunder.

The Azure Dragon has already risen up, its enormous form soaring straight into the clouds.

Undoubtedly, Qinglong did not recognize him.

It turned out that during the battle with Ning Qianjun, when the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle spewed out terrifying flames, Xue Xiang did not use the teleportation talisman, but instead chose to enter the Wenxu Blessed Land to avoid the battle.

His greatest strength in daring to come to Lingyun Peak alone was the back door of Wenxu Blessed Land.

He didn't believe that Zhao Huanhuan or Ning Qianjun had the abilities of a shaman, capable of imprisoning spatial teleportation.

After entering the blessed land of Wenxu, Xue Xiang became angrier and angrier, but the angrier he became, the smoother his thoughts became.

You have a thousand troops and wild beasts, but I have a Azure Dragon too.

After some thought, he summoned the Azure Dragon and, with it, ascended to the sky above Lingyun Peak.

After showing Qinglong Xue Xiang's portrait, he gave Qinglong a few words of advice and then left.

There was no way around it; in Qinglong's eyes, he was the master of Mingde Dongxuan, an absolute reclusive master.

Qinglong is intelligent, so he cannot simultaneously make Qinglong realize that he is both the weak Xue Xiang and the unfathomable Lord of Mingde Cave.

If the Azure Dragon Society discovers which one is the real person, there is a risk of things getting out of control.

Xue Xiang was unwilling to place his hopes on Qinglong's temperament.

Therefore, he must appear with two faces.

Therefore, even when facing the Azure Dragon, he always had to conceal himself with his literary aura.

Therefore, when he appeared as Xue Xiang at this moment, it did not seem out of place in Qinglong's eyes.

From the Azure Dragon's perspective, it was simply following the orders of the Lord of Mingde Cave to help a weak two-legged beast.

It is arrogant by nature and looks down on any two-legged beast except for the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

Qinglong felt quite embarrassed to help Xue Xiang with this kind of thing, so he wouldn't give Xue Xiang a good look.

Xue Xiang didn't care that Qinglong didn't give him face.

It's good as long as it's done.

Having dealt with Ning Qianjun, Xue Xiang, without delay, climbed the mountain path still covered in snow.

The wind grew sharper as it rose higher, like it was tearing the air apart beside your ears.

After crossing the last set of stone steps, the view suddenly opens up.

Amidst the swirling clouds and mist atop the peak, a formidable and imposing building suddenly came into view.

The buildings are constructed with layers of flying eaves, and the red walls and green tiles are built along the mountainside.

Further away, on the cliff below the mountain ridge, a clear spring gushes forth, turning into milky white mist that meanders down the canyon.

The gate of the Joyful Sect hangs high on a giant rock, its golden characters shining brightly in the setting sun.

"It truly exudes an aura of immortals; no wonder the Joyful Sect chose this place to establish its sect."

Xue Xiang thought to himself.

Strangely, there were no guards at the entrances and exits of the Joyful Sect.

Xue Xiangkuo stepped inside but didn't see anyone.

"Perfect, saves me the trouble."

Xue Xiang stood on a large blue rock and took out the recording array flag from his document ring.
He flicked his finger, and the battle flags trembled slightly and rose into the air on their own.

The first ray of spiritual light flowed down from the flag, like a slender dragon, winding through the earth's veins and quickly outlining the direction of the dual spiritual veins of water and fire.

The two meridians converge at the western training ground.

At the same time, the cyan crystal at the top of the array flagpole lit up slightly, and an invisible ripple spread out, turning the entire panorama of the sect, the spiritual veins, and the mountain gate into clear images and taking them into the array flag.

Xue Xiang waved his hand and put away the recording array flag, feeling a great weight lifted from his heart.

With clear images of the encroachment on spiritual property, he gained the moral high ground, and no one could stop him from demolishing the illegal structures.

Just as Xue Xiang was about to turn around and go down the mountain, he suddenly heard a series of noises and explosions coming from the forest to the north, accompanied by the female cultivator's urgent shouts.

The sound was infused with spiritual energy, like a blade flashing through the air, or a ghostly howl echoing through the forest.

Xue Xiang frowned, then used the Wind-Stopping Step to transform into a streak of green, rushing towards the source of the sound.

As he passed through a pine forest, his view suddenly opened up.

In a mountain hollow, cold mist churned, exuding an eerie atmosphere.

Gui Bo was emaciated, with one side of his face resembling cracked tree bark, while the other side was covered with inky ghostly patterns.

He gripped Zhao Huanhuan's neck with his left hand, black energy swirling between his fingers, causing her face to turn pale and her breathing to become labored.

All around, dozens of female disciples of the Joyful Sect were positioned in different directions, forming a circular formation under the command of the white-robed female cultivator Su Danqing. Their long sleeves fluttered, and they held either spiritual swords or talisman umbrellas in their hands. The intertwined spiritual light blocked the Ghost Lord's retreat.

Su Danqing's face was cold and his eyes were like cold stars. His hand gestures changed rapidly as he shouted, "Tighten the third ring! Cut off his ghostly aura!"

However, the ghost was surrounded by a surging mist, and the black shadows gathered and dispersed in the mist, transforming into dozens of ferocious ghost shadows that pounced out.

These ghostly figures, resembling owls, wolf heads, and long-tongued women, with bared fangs and piercing shrieks, lunged at the female disciple's sword and protective shield.

Most of the female disciples of the Joyful Sect do not practice combat techniques, but rather charm arts, spiritual plant cultivation, illusion arts, etc., which clearly puts them at a disadvantage in direct confrontation.

Despite their well-organized formation and interconnected spiritual energy, every attack that struck Gui Bo was cleverly neutralized by him using the yin mist.

On the contrary, with a flick of his finger, Gui Bo sent two evil spirits breaking through the formation, forcing the disciples in the formation to scramble and making the defense line extremely dangerous.

"No wonder there was no one guarding the outside; it turns out the sect leader has fallen into their hands."

Xue Xiang was too lazy to bother with the messy affairs of the Joyful Sect.

Just as he was about to slip away, he suddenly froze, staring blankly at the Ghost Uncle's cracked, ghostly face.

"Could this be the one who manipulated the ghost fetus to attack their own home?"

The moment this thought arose, Xue Xiang's anger surged wildly.

The gloom and screams of that night seemed to echo in his ears again, and the paleness and worry on his mother's face pierced his heart like needles.

He entered gracefully, his voice like a golden bell: "Lock."

As soon as the word was uttered, literary energy surged forth, rushing out of the literary palace and transforming into a silver chain that danced swiftly in mid-air, carrying the light of the proverb.

The chains were released, moving with incredible agility, like ghosts or swimming fish.

The chains moved like a match-3 puzzle game, capturing all the ghosts and monsters in their path.

Those ghostly figures that were originally baring their fangs and showing their claws, as soon as they were touched by the chains, let out a piercing howl as if they were being scorched by the sun, their forms quickly disintegrating and turning into wisps of green smoke that evaporated and disappeared.

The spirit energy is naturally the nemesis of evil spirits. Every ray of light on the chains seems to be engraved with an inviolable law, refining all resentment and evil spirits into nothingness. In a short breath, the ghosts that the Ghost Lord relied on to defend himself were completely wiped out, leaving only the afterglow of the chains swirling in the air, still trembling slightly.

The female disciples of the Joyful Sect looked at each other, both surprised and delighted.

"Xue Xiang?"

The old man asked in alarm.

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiang knew he hadn't looked for the wrong person.

"It is indeed I, the official! You audacious madman, who dares to command evil spirits to invade my official residence, what is your punishment?"

Xue Xiang shouted.

"This kid... his literary talent is actually this strong!"

Gui Bo's heart pounded with fear. He could no longer care about holding Zhao Huanhuan hostage. He shoved her away, and black mist surged from beneath his feet. He turned around and tried to break through the formation to escape.

From Gui Bo's perspective, his and Ning Qianjun's scheme was undeniably imperfect.

Through Wang Bodang in the ninth hall, they accurately grasped the timing of Xue Xiang's entry into the mountains.

To prevent Zhao Huanhuan from ruining things, he and Ning Qianjun took the initiative to enter the Huanxi Sect and pretended to discuss with Zhao Huanhuan how to deal with Xue Xiang.

In reality, they first took control of Zhao Huanhuan, and then waited for Ning Qianjun's waiting-for-the-rabbit-to-come-by operation to yield results.

Gui Bo was also a perceptive person, and he secretly cast the Floating Ghost spell on Ning Qianjun.

When Ning Qianjun dies, the Floating Ghost will be annihilated.

Sure enough, as soon as the floating ghost vanished, Ghost Uncle knew something bad had happened.

He could have run away immediately, but Zhao Huanhuan was just too tempting, and Gui Bo really couldn't bear to leave.

They insisted on running away with Zhao Huanhuan.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Huanhuan woke up from her deep sleep, making a noise that attracted the attention of the Huanxi Sect disciples who surrounded her.

It was during this delay that he bumped into Xue Xiang.

Even the ghost fetus was lost to Xue Xiang. Seeing Xue Xiang's sharp and insightful words, Gui Bo was certainly not foolish enough to confront Xue Xiang head-on.

Gui Bo was about to flee when Xue Xiang shouted, "Net!"

The literary energy gathered and transformed into a dense, silvery-white net, falling from the sky with lightning speed.

No matter where Gui Bo rushed, the vast net of literary energy could accurately block his path.

"cut!"

With a low shout, the sword in Xue Xiang's palm hummed softly, instantly manifesting a hundred feet in size, as if shooting out a laser beam.

In an instant, Gui Bo was pierced by the long sword, and his face froze in shock.

In an instant, countless yin spirits that Gui Bo had been nurturing in his body escaped at once, turning into black shadows that tumbled in the air.

"receive!"

In an instant, the net of literary energy tightened abruptly, as if a heavenly net had been drawn in, engulfing all these vengeful spirits.

The light burst into flames in the net, and every wisp of ghostly spirit that touched it let out a shrill scream before turning into green smoke, leaving not even a trace of resentment behind.

In an instant, the world returned to clarity, and the mountain wind swept by, leaving only the fragrance of snow and the chill of ice.

Xue Xiang sheathed his sword and stood there, the net of literary energy slowly dissipating as if it had never existed.

The female disciples of the Joyful Sect put away their magical artifacts one by one and looked at Xue Xiang with awe and undisguised admiration in their eyes.

Some people bit their lips slightly, some clasped their hands in a gesture of respect, and many more simply gazed silently, as if trying to remember this moment deeply.

Suddenly, I heard light footsteps treading across the snow, delicate and rhythmic.

Zhao Huanhuan slowly walked out of the formation. Although she had just suffered a calamity and her clothes were filthy, she was calm and composed.

As she approached, she curtsied, her gauze skirt tightening at her hips to reveal her incredibly bouncy curves.

A full, alluring face was filled with tenderness, her full red lips were slightly parted, and her voice was as clear as a flowing spring.

Xue Xiang couldn't tell if this was Zhao Huanhuan's daily routine or if she was using her seductive arts.

In short, this woman was so gentle, so alluring, so seductive that just one glance at her made one think of the bedroom.

"I will never forget Lord Xue's life-saving grace."

"When you see injustice on the road, you should draw your sword to help. It's just a small thing, no need for thanks."

Xue Xiang returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "I have recorded the route of the Lingyun Peak spiritual vein and the sect's layout, and the evidence has been stored in the recording array flags."

Finally, I have one last question for Sect Leader Zhao: will you demolish the illegal building or not?

Zhao Huanhuan's expression shifted, a complex look flashing in her eyes, before she smiled and nodded, "Demolish it."

However, Lord Xue, you must keep your word.

You promised to help me with property rights for other locations and to find me a capable construction team.

Xue Xiang nodded slightly, "Once this is said, I will not go back on my word."

Zhao Huanhuan breathed a sigh of relief, and the smile on her lips became more genuine. "That's good."

We'll dismantle it ourselves. After all, a lot of effort went into these places, and some components, magic arrays, and herb gardens can even be reused elsewhere.

"So best."

At that moment, Xue Xiang took out the demolition documents for the illegal buildings in the spiritual property clearing room and asked Zhao Huanhuan to sign them.

Zhao Huanhuan took the charcoal pencil, quickly wrote her name, and then looked at Xue Xiang with a smile, "Lord Xue, would you mind giving me this pencil?"

"It's just a pen. If Sect Leader Zhao likes it, then keep it."

After saying this, he turned and took his leave.

Zhao Huanhuan slightly turned to the side, blocking him, saying, "I have no way to repay your life-saving grace."

Adults always need to eat a meal.

Now, I do whatever the adults ask of me.

"An adult can't just turn their back on you like flipping through a book. Besides, I have something to report."

Xue Xiang frowned. He didn't want to stay any longer, but seeing the alluring yet serious look in her expression, he wanted to see what she was up to.

Xue Xiang agreed to stay for a meal, and before Zhao Huanhuan could give any instructions, the woman in white, Su Danqing, quickly gave the order.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang followed Zhao Huanhuan to Tingxue Pavilion, located halfway up Lingyun Peak.

Despite the cold winter, the charcoal fire inside the pavilion was well-lit and warm as spring. One could hear the wind chimes under the eaves and see the sea of ​​clouds rolling outside the curtains.

The long table in the pavilion was filled with delicacies from the mountains and the sea, all brightly colored and fragrant.

The candlelight cast a misty glow, and Zhao Huanhuan, dressed in a new, form-fitting crimson dress, accentuated her shapely figure.

She poured two cups of warm wine, raised them to Xue Xiang with a smile, and said, "Since it is your first visit to my Joyful Sect, you have come all dusty and travel-worn. Please have a cup to calm your nerves."

The two clinked glasses, the aroma of wine in their jade cups carrying a faint hint of floral fragrance.

After several rounds of drinks, as darkness fell, Xue Xiang decided to inquire about the important matter at hand.

Zhao Huanhuan suddenly stood up. "A simple drinking session is hardly a proper feast. I have learned a few songs, and I would like to sing one to accompany your drinks and add to your enjoyment."

After speaking, she smiled, got up and moved to the west side of the pavilion, her jade-like hand gently touching the zither.

With a light touch of the fingertips, the sound of the strings flows gently into the ears like the tinkling of a clear spring.

She parted her lips slightly, and a song began, "When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky..."

Her singing voice was clear and melodious, carrying a touch of tender warmth, like the wind caressing a jade flute, or the fragrance of plum blossoms on a snowy night.

The song being sung was an old work by Xue Xiang.

This work was translated into music as soon as it was published, and Xue Xiang also heard it.

But clearly, Zhao Huanhuan's rendition of the music is more ethereal, as if drawing the listener's mind into the depths of the sea of ​​clouds.

Unconsciously, his gaze passed over the strings and landed on the singer. For a moment, he was in a daze, as if his soul was being led by the music, and he forgot the time and place.

After the song ended, Zhao Huanhuan said with a smile, "The singing was mocking and unpleasant to the ear, thus tarnishing your wonderful lyrics."

"The music is good, and the song is even better, making you feel like you're in a trance."

Xue Xiang clapped lightly, then said seriously, "However, we have drunk wine and eaten food, but I wonder what Sect Leader Zhao's so-called situation is all about."

Zhao Huanhuan released the string with her slender fingers, her gaze shifting slightly, her expression changing from gentle and charming to serious. "May I ask, Lord Xue, where is Ning Qianjun?"

Xue Xiang was taken aback. "What makes you say that, Sect Leader Zhao?"

Zhao Huanhuan looked at Xue Xiang quietly, "Ning Qianjun conspired with Gui Bo just to assassinate you, sir."

Since you, sir, have managed to climb all the way to this point, Ning Qianjun must have perished at your hands.

The reason I've clarified this is not to inform the Ning family, but to ascertain your abilities, sir.

After all, Ning Qianjun brought along the only wild beast raised by the Ning family to help him.

Even so, he still died at the hands of the adults.

This clearly demonstrates your extraordinary abilities, sir; only then will my next words have meaning.

"I killed Ning Qianjun and his Golden Feather Flame Eagle."

Xue Xiang had nothing to hide.

Even if the Ning family knew, so what?
He was on official business, and Ning Qianjun brought about his own destruction.

Zhao Huanhuan had expected this, but hearing Xue Xiang tell her in person still filled her with overwhelming joy.

She changed the subject abruptly and said in a deep voice, "I wonder what Lord Xue thinks of the imperial court's order to clear out the spiritual property this time?"

"I don't know what the imperial court is thinking, but what I can see is that the local government offices are in a difficult position."

Xue Xiang tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. "For example, it took me a lot of effort to complete your order."

"Who told me to be so easy to bully?"

Zhao Huanhuan's red lips curled up, her eyes sparkling.

Even though Xue Xiang knew she was deliberately seducing him, he couldn't help but feel a moment of disorientation.

He quickly composed himself, “Looking at the laws and regulations of the imperial court, any policy that the local government could not implement ultimately came to nothing.”

It's just a matter of how long or short it takes.

Zhao Huanhuan gazed at him, a smile playing on her lips, clearly admiring his calmness and clarity. "May I ask what your plans are, sir?"

"What plans could I possibly have? I'll just do my job wholeheartedly."

Xue Xiangdao said, "Now that we've finished dealing with the Joyful Sect, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and have a proper New Year."

As for next year, we'll see how the wind blows.

"If you think like that, you'll miss a golden opportunity."

Zhao Huanhuan made a surprising statement.

Zhao Huanhuan gently twirled the wine cup in her hand, her gaze passing over the candlelight and landing on Xue Xiang. Her tone was slow but sharp, "Does Your Excellency know how many spirit fields, spirit mines, and spirit veins countless powerful clans and sects have secretly seized over the years?"

She paused slightly, then parted her red lips: "In their hands, spirit fields are an endless source of food and medicine; spirit mines are the foundation of magical artifacts, armor, and talisman arrays; and spirit veins are able to sustain the cultivation of the entire sect."

She slowly shook her head, her tone becoming more somber: "When the central government has ample financial resources, we won't try to take advantage of them."

Currently, the central government's finances are strained, and with the northern border being opened up, the central government's finances are leaking everywhere.

The imperial court naturally had its eyes on them. Of course, I don't count, I only occupied a small place..."

Zhao Huanhuan smiled sweetly, "Even if the matter of clearing out spiritual property ends without any resolution."

At least for now, this is the top priority that the central leadership is focusing on.

If Lord Xue does an outstanding job, he will most likely be set up as a model example.

At that time, will you still be afraid of rising to great heights?

Of course, this is just one of them.

Secondly, if the adults can establish the authority of the Spiritual Property Cleanup Office, it will be like hanging a sharp sword over the heads of all the wealthy families and sects that have encroached on the domestic property.

Whether the sword falls or not depends entirely on the adults.

Thus, with such immense power in hand, it would be incredibly easy for the adults to do whatever they wanted or desire.

As Zhao Huanhuan spoke, her slender waist swayed gently, as if a pool of spring water had been rippled open.

Xue Xiang seemed to be deep in thought. "Go on."

Zhao Huanhuan said, "Of course, a reputation isn't so easy to establish."

The fact that the adults forcibly demolished my Joyful Sect can only be considered as firing the first shot.

To truly establish a formidable reputation, one must overcome the toughest challenges.

"Why does it sound to me like Sect Leader Zhao is leading me into a fire pit?"

Xue Xiangjun raised an eyebrow.

"How could they dare, and how could they bear to?"

Zhao Huanhuan's eyes were alluring as she said, "People are hoping to have you as a backer, so that you can protect them in the future."

Xue Xiang sneered, "As far as I know, Sect Master Zhao has enough backers, including my mentor, Elder Feng Jing."

Zhao Huanhuan lowered her eyes and said, "They're all opportunists. The only one who truly risked his life to save someone's life is you, sir."

These are my heartfelt words.

The adults think that I am neither good at literature nor martial arts, so how can I make a living?
It all depends on the women under my command. They practice seductive arts and learn skills in my Joyful Sect, and marry into good families. Whether they become wives or concubines depends entirely on their abilities.

Over time, in terms of being well-informed and understanding the local government structure, this young woman is second to none.

I am able to offer this plan on behalf of you because I believe you are both learned and skilled in martial arts, and possess exceptional abilities.

If the leader successfully tackles the tough challenge and establishes his authority, then who he targets next, and who he doesn't, is entirely up to his will.

And wherever this sword's edge points, that's where your vast wealth lies.

Xue Xiang understood. Zhao Huanhuan's strategy was to first establish her authority and then selectively enforce the law.

They don't care about vendors who give away Chinese cigarettes.

Those who didn't receive a gift were chased all over the street.

The words may be rough, but the principle is sound.

"My lord, please don't underestimate the profits involved. As far as I know, you have just finished the county examination and should not have established your foundation yet."

"Does Your Excellency know the current price of a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

"It seems to be at least five hundred spirit stones or more."

Xue Xiang had Dong Jiacun inquire about the price of the Foundation Building Pill, and as soon as Dong Jiacun made a quote, Xue Xiang stopped pursuing the matter.

This thing is too expensive. Even though he is quite wealthy now, it still depends on what he buys.

With his current savings, he could only afford to buy five Foundation Establishment Pills at most.

According to Dong Jiacun, the Foundation Building Pill is practically priceless and unavailable; it's not circulated at all.

"That's roughly the price, but you can't buy it at all."

Zhao Huanhuan's starry eyes blinked, "But I must say, at that time, as long as the adults' authority is established..."

Choosing who to dismantle and who not to dismantle—in this process, at least ten Foundation Establishment Pills can be extracted. Do you believe it, sir?

Xue Xiang said solemnly, "I have always been fair in enforcing the law. I don't understand what Sect Leader Zhao is saying."

Zhao Huanhuan covered her mouth and chuckled, thinking to herself, "This kid is really born to be an official. He's so cunning and ruthless. He's clearly been tempted for a long time, but he's pretending to be righteous and indignant."

"It is alright if you do not understand, sir. I am willing to lead the horse and help you succeed."

Zhao Huanhuan bowed slightly.

Xue Xiang stared blankly at Zhao Huanhuan, quickly assessing the situation in his mind.

When Zhao Huanhuan mentioned the Foundation Establishment Pill, Xue Xiang made up his mind.

Even the King of Heaven couldn't pull him back.

He didn't want to play the role of Bao Zheng in this cultivation world that resembled a feudal society.

Earning money to survive is not shameful.

He also understood that Zhao Huanhuan's true intention was to act as his front man.

No matter how he looked at it, he felt that this sophisticated and charming woman was the perfect match.

(End of this chapter)