Chapter 114: Li Shenghong

"Chen Clan, Chen Yuan, Chen Chuyang?"

"That kid on Longshe Shan is one of Chen Yuan's most beloved sons. He has always lived outside Longshe Cheng. Perhaps we can start with him."

Jiang Ming saw Zhuge Ruolan again. This woman was dangerous and very cautious, always staying by his side as if keeping an eye on him.

Zhuge Ruolan smiled and nodded: "That's right. Chen Chuyang, stationed on Longshe Shan, is an important figure of the Chen Clan. I've looked into it—this Chen Chuyang is an ordinary person with low cultivation and poor talent. Perhaps you can start with him to get your revenge against Chen Yuan."

"Recently, quite a few people have been in contact with Chen Chuyang on Longshe Shan—the Chen Clan, the Shang Clan—perhaps both can be approached directly through him."

"For instance, Shang Hongxue of the Shang Clan frequently visits Longshe Shan. Dharma Protector Jiang Ming, if you start with him, you might reap an unexpected harvest."

Jiang Ming narrowed his eyes, inwardly wary of this woman. The information she had gathered was very accurate, largely matching what he had on hand. He had also considered starting with Longshe Shan, but that peak was protected by a Formation and guarded by members of the Chen Clan—making a move would likely not be so easy.

The danger level of Longshe Shan was several tiers higher than even Longshe Cheng. A rash assault would very likely get one trapped inside, thereby becoming nourishment for Longshe Shan.

Zhuge Ruolan could also see Jiang Ming's hesitation and continued: "Chen Chuyang is very useful to the Chen Clan. Some of the resources the Chen Clan possesses are all obtained from Longshe Shan. I suspect Longshe Shan is the Chen Clan's spiritual herb cultivation base. To attack Longshe Cheng, the Chen Clan is a necessary link. These past days, you have seen it yourself—the Chen Clan's strength has grown."

"Their resistance is also growing stronger. If this continues, let alone attacking the Great Qi Dynasty, we won't even be able to take Longshe Cheng alone."

Longshe Shan was the most important place to the Chen Clan.

Zhuge Ruolan also revealed one point: this peak contained a great deal of resources, the majority of which were likely spiritual herbs.

These spiritual herbs were not only needed by the Chen Clan—they needed them too.

The Yin Gui Sect also lacked all kinds of spiritual herbs. Why did the Yin Gui Sect constantly seize territory and continuously expand its domain?

Was it not because within the Great Qi Dynasty, there were vast numbers of people, much blood food, and all kinds of resources?

Seizing a portion would be enough for the Yin Gui Sect to rapidly grow stronger.

Most resources were either controlled by the great sects or by the dynasty. The Yin Gui Sect dared not make a move against those great sects—they all had profound foundations. Once a move was made, one had to be absolutely certain, ideally able to directly flatten the sect, maximizing profit while minimizing loss.

Compared to the dynasty, sects were harder to deal with. The dynasty, on the other hand, was the easiest to break through. The dynasty was not a seamless whole, and within it there were many noble families—families harboring ulterior motives, each willing to betray the others for their own interests, even betraying the dynasty and the sects.

Sects stood above the many families, and those families naturally were unwilling to accept this.

The Yin Gui Sect was their blade.

Using an outsider's blade to slice the flesh of the dynasty and the sects, to nourish themselves.

Between sects and the dynasty, there were also conflicts of interest. This vast world was one chain of interests.

And for their Yin Gui Sect to wedge itself in, they had to constantly feed on them and grow stronger.

Ever since the last time the Yin Gui Sect was defeated and retreated from the dynasty's territory, the great families and sects had hounded them relentlessly, like rats crossing the street. This time, the Yin Gui Sect needed to accumulate strength and start anew.

Only when some people fall can others rise.

Zhuge Ruolan had come for this very reason. As the Holy Maiden of the Yin Gui Sect, she too wanted to advance further. For the sake of the Yin Gui Sect, she could yield some interests.

Or rather, she also wanted to see the various factions fight amongst themselves, ideally fighting to the death, so that she could reap the benefits.

"Dharma Protector Jiang Ming, do not forget the Faction's mission. Once you fail, what kind of fate will you meet? I think you are even clearer about that than I am."

"Within the Faction, several Elders have already begun to awaken. When that time comes, if they assign blame, heh."

Dharma Protector Jiang Ming's expression grew even uglier. This woman was very sinister—she wanted to use others to do her killing.

But Jiang Ming had no choice. This woman was right. Once those above assigned blame, it would not be as simple as a few words of reprimand—it would be death.

Soul extracted, sinews peeled, becoming a Yin ghost.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ming's expression grew even uglier.

"May I ask what the Holy Maiden's mission is?"

Zhuge Ruolan stood up and laughed coldly: "This Holy Maiden's affairs are none of Dharma Protector Jiang Ming's concern."

"You just need to do your own part. This Holy Maiden will make her own decisions."

After saying that, Zhuge Ruolan turned around, gave Dharma Protector Jiang Ming a faint smile, then turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Dharma Protector Jiang Ming stared at her retreating figure, fists clenched tight.

Veins bulged on his forehead. The fury about to erupt was suppressed by him.

"Little bitch—even you dare to oppress this Dharma Protector. Hmph."

"Once this Dharma Protector breaks through Longshe Cheng and slaughters the entire city, I'll slowly settle accounts with you."

"Longshe Shan, Chen Chuyang, perhaps..."

"Then I'll start with him."

"Hmph."

……

On the other side.

Zhuge Ruolan appeared atop another peak. The pitch darkness concealed her figure.

Before her stood a man.

The man's name was Li Shenghong, one of her followers, and also one of the lackeys recruited from those families.

He was Zhuge Ruolan's capable right-hand man.

"Greetings, Holy Maiden."

Li Shenghong knelt down and bowed respectfully.

Zhuge Ruolan nodded: "Rise. I have a task for you."

Hearing this, Li Shenghong was ecstatic: "Please give the order, Holy Maiden. As long as it is within my ability, I will complete it one hundred percent for you."

"For the Holy Maiden, I can cross mountains of blades and seas of fire, and die a thousand deaths without regret."

Zhuge Ruolan waved her hand: "That won't be necessary. I can't bear to let you die."

Li Shenghong was deeply moved. Sure enough, he still held a place in the Holy Maiden's heart—she couldn't bear to let him die.

I am indeed the man the Holy Maiden dotes on most. Those others have no right to compare with him.

He was the number one candidate in the Holy Maiden's heart, and the only candidate.

"Please give the order, Holy Maiden."

Zhuge Ruolan said lightly: "The Holy Maiden wants you to go to Longshe Shan, go find trouble for Chen Chuyang, and bring him back tied up for me."

"Longshe Shan?" Li Shenghong had some doubt: "Chen Chuyang? Who is he?"

I don't know this person.

"Chen Chuyang, the second son of Chen Yuan of Longshe Cheng, resides on Longshe Shan. I want you to follow behind Dharma Protector Jiangming, don't rush to act first; wait until he acts, then you act slowly, and be sure to bring the person back to the Holy Maiden. Can you do that?"

Li Shenghong immediately replied: "Please rest assured, Holy Maiden, I will definitely bring Chen Chuyang back to you."

"Very well, go."

"Yes."

Zhuge Ruolan narrowed her eyes, gazing into the distance.

Pitch black, it was brewing in her eyes.

"Longshe Shan, Chen Chuyang, Jiangming Dharma Protector, and also Li Shenghong, as well as the whereabouts of the Wild Dragon Snake — perhaps it will be revealed soon."

"The Wild Dragon Snake belongs to the Holy Maiden."