Chapter 132: with translation of chapter title

If it were merely the appearance of a single ash box, at most Shitan was planning to disgust these elders a little; his subconscious was probably telling these Gangmi Dai family elders not to keep leaning on their old age and selling their old status, sitting atop the Gangmi Dai family's upper echelons—it was also time to make way for these young people……

But Shitan didn't just bring out a single ash box; he also, in front of everyone, produced their Gangmi Dai family's ancestral divine sword, the Yanluo Mirror Canon—know that the Yanluo Mirror Canon has always been worn by the Gangmi Dai family's head. Considering the Gangmi Dai family head has been missing for a full six months, everything is self-evident.

Shitan, what exactly do you mean?!!

Shitan, could it be that you have betrayed our Gangmi Dai family?!!

Shitan, where exactly did our Gangmi Dai family's former head go? The Yanluo Mirror Canon has always been the head's personal sword, and whose ashes are in this ash box? Could the former head's disappearance be related to you?

Shitan, do you know what consequences you must bear for murdering our Gangmi Dai family's former head?

Shitan, I originally thought you were the most outstanding talent among our Gangmi Dai family's younger generation, but now I see I was terribly mistaken—you are a disloyal, unjust, unfilial, disobedient scoundrel! We will surely punish you with family law!

For a moment, aside from the Gangmi Dai family steward kneeling on the ground, clutching the ashes scattered across the floor, tears streaming down his face as he wept bitterly, the family's Second Elder, Third Elder, Fourth Elder, and the newly appointed Fifth Elder all turned to Gangmi Dai Shitan and questioned him.

Heh...

However, after hearing the elders' words, Shitan merely gave a cold snort.

These Fifth Elders may appear to be questioning him, but in reality they are merely seeking excuses for their own incompetence and ambition!

Look at them—they can't even be bothered to seek confirmation, they simply assert that the Gangmi Dai family head is already dead, and some even go so far as to prefix the missing six-month Gangmi Dai family head with 'former' head!

These people now seem to be questioning Shitan for the family's sake and for justice, but in fact they are merely positioning themselves to better contend for the Gangmi Dai family head's position later; bluntly put, it's all just about so-called 'power' and 'profit'.

Heh...

After the Fifth Elders had finished questioning Shitan, they quietly waited for his reply.

You few old fogeys, have you said enough?!!

If you've said enough, then perhaps hear what I have to say!

Shitan merely gave a contemptuous smile; seeing him casually lift an elder from beside the round table and fling him forcefully behind himself, he then plopped down into that elder's chair, facing the elders before him, and spoke coldly.

Shitan, you rude fellow……

Although that elder was angry at Shitan, he could only, due to Shitan's strength, fetch a chair and sit unwillingly at Shitan's side.

Smack!

Shitan, what exactly do you mean?!!

As Shitan's words fell, the Third Elder sitting not far from him instantly flared with anger; he forcefully slapped the conference room's round tabletop, intending to, in his capacity as an elder, give Shitan a good scolding.

Hold on!

However, before the Third Elder could speak, the Second Elder at his side stepped forward and stopped him.

Second Brother……

The Third Elder, though puzzled, still halted his action.

Shitan, if you have something to say, just say it!

The Second Elder, without explaining anything to the elders beside him, simply looked straight at Shitan before him and inquired.

'Hah…' Upon hearing this, Shitan let out a long sigh and, at the same time, addressed the crowd: 'Well then, I'll speak.'

Look, I just acted out of goodwill, deliberately returning your family head's ashes to you; you not only lack even a shred of gratitude—I won't even mention that—but you actually want to punish me?! And you talk about using family law on me?

Come on, with the family head gone now, what do you few elders have to punish me with? You mouth off about family law, yet in practice you don't even put family law in your eyes—it's utterly absurd……

Shitan sat arrogantly in the chair beneath him, speaking bluntly to the elders before him.

From Shitan's words and deeds, no respect for these elders can be seen.

Hmm……

As Shitan's words fell, all the elders present furrowed their brows.

As Shitan said, compared to punishing offenses, selecting a new family head is what our Gangmi Dai family currently values most! You all should also know that, just as a state cannot go a day without a ruler, our Gangmi Dai family cannot go a day without a head!

In fact, as early as half a year ago when the previous head went missing, our Gangmi Dai family should have selected a successor to that head! However, given that at the time, along with the former head, our Gangmi Dai family's ancestral soul‑cutting blade, the Yanluo Mirror Canon, also went missing……

Thus, the matter of electing a new head has remained stagnant, a delay! But now, with our Gangmi Dai family's ancestral soul‑cutting blade, the Yanluo Mirror Canon, having been recovered by Shitan, it is also time to launch the election for a new head.

After hearing Shitan's words, the family's Second Elder lightly stroked his chin beard and calmly addressed the assembled elders.

Di Qianweng, you old fool, what do you mean?!!

Your words inside and out seem to be saying that it was my father who lost the Yanluo Mirror Canon, which is why our Gangmi Dai family has been unable to properly hold the head‑selection assembly these past six months……

Are you dissatisfied with my father? Or do you think my father held you back back then, so you bear a great grudge against him personally?

Could it be that you are in league with Shitan? Is my father's death also related to you, old thing?!!

The family steward, who had been kneeling on the ground silently cleaning up the ashes, upon hearing the Second Elder's words, instantly flared with anger; he no longer bothered to use the Second Elder's honorific, directly called him by name, pointed at his nose, and questioned him furiously.

Steward Sir, you're getting worked up—I never said that……

During the former head's tenure, we have seen all his actions; naturally we would not overlook his contributions to our Gangmi Dai family while he was in office! It's just that the Yanluo Mirror Canon was indeed lost by the former head, and indeed it was Shitan who recovered it—I am merely stating a fact……

What? Do you mean Steward Sir won't even let me state the facts?!!

As for the claim that I colluded with Shitan to frame the former head, that is pure nonsense!

Upon hearing this, the Second Elder secretly suppressed the smile tugging at his lips, and, facing the young steward before him, spoke with a cheerful laugh.

That old fellow, with just those two short sentences, directly dispelled several portions of everyone's dissatisfaction with Shitan in the meeting hall—after all, as he said, the blade was indeed lost by the former head, and indeed it was Shitan who recovered it; this is an undeniable fact before everyone.

You……

Upon hearing those words, the steward's body trembled instantly, his inner anger continually rising.

Moreover, the former head was immensely strong, and he even wielded our Gangmi Dai family's ancestral divine sword, the Yanluo Mirror Canon! Steward Sir, do you think that I and Shitan together could possibly slay our Gangmi Dai family's former head?

Let's put it another way: if our Gangmi Dai family's esteemed head could be easily slain by an old man and a youngster, then he wouldn't be worthy of being our family head! Our Gangmi Dai family has dominated the Soul‑Soul Realm for a hundred years relying on absolute strength—only the strongest deserve the head's position……

The Second Elder, looking at the steward who was still enduring, spoke in a sarcastic, tone‑shifting manner.

Old fool, I've tolerated you for far too long! Don't think I dare not strike you……

At this moment the steward truly flew into a rage, and directly drew the soul‑cutting blade at his waist.

Seeing this, the Second Elder immediately stepped back, then back again……

Steward Sir, you're getting worked up……

Head of Household, even though you hold a high position, you shouldn't speak to your elders like that.

Looking on, the Head of Household of the Kōyamashiro family showed a tendency to lose control in front of everyone, and the clan elders who had originally been silent all stood up one after another, repeatedly urging the Kōyamashiro family's Head of Household.

Good, good, good……

Hello! You elders are quite something.

Upon hearing this, the Kōyamashiro Head of Household's body trembled slightly; he hadn't expected that old man's status in the family to be so high, that a single remark could draw so many elders' agreement……

In just a few tens of seconds, he underwent several rounds of internal struggle, but ultimately he still yielded to the elders; see, this Kōyamashiro clan's Head of Household, somewhat embarrassed, sheathed the Soul-Cutting Sword he had just drawn, and, feeling dejected and helpless, sat back down in his seat.

Young people have tempers; being a bit impulsive is quite normal……

But if you want to take on the role of Family Head of the Kōyamashiro family, you still lack sufficient experience and need more training.

The Second Elder, seeing the Head of Household endure, returned to his seat and continued speaking at length.

Hiss……

Upon hearing that, the Head of Household immediately showed signs of getting worked up again.

There's no need to delay; let us now formally convene the Kōyamashiro Family Head Election Assembly!

The Second Elder gave the Head of Household no chance to flare up, turning his head to look at the clan elders seated around the round table and began to speak.

If nothing unexpected happens, according to our Kōyamashiro family's rules, after our former Family Head steps down, the one who should succeed to the Family Head position ought to be the first-in-line Head of Household taking over! However……

Next, the speaker who followed the Second Elder was the Kōyamashiro family's Third Elder; he first placed the Kōyamashiro family's rules on his lips, appearing to address the Kōyamashiro family's Head of Household, but actually kept twisting his words until they were about to turn against the Head of Household, at which point his voice paused.

This Third Elder did not continue speaking, but simply stared at the Kōyamashiro family's Head of Household.

What are you looking at me for? Say whatever you want……

The Head of Household, looking at the Third Elder's gaze, spoke dissatisfiedly.

Hehe……

Upon hearing the Head of Household's words, the Third Elder immediately gave a cold smile, knowing in his heart that the Head of Household was beyond help; he had been watching the Head of Household, waiting for him to speak, to promise the people more benefits for them……

Unfortunately, the current Head of Household is just a fool who lives off his father's position as Family Head; without that father who is the present Family Head of the Kōyamashiro, he amounts to nothing, and thinking this, the Third Elder also hardened his heart.

However, given our Kōyamashiro family's current special circumstances, I think we need not follow tradition! Instead, following the practice for special times, let the Kōyamashiro family's Five Elders jointly participate, using an election system to select our new Family Head—what do you all think?!

Third Elder wore a cold smile and asked the surrounding clan elders.

"I have no objection..."

Second Elder was the first to speak.

"No objection!"

"Same as above!"

Immediately, Fourth Elder and Fifth Elder echoed.

"Hehe..."

The family head was angry, but seeing Fourth Elder and Fifth Elder taking sides, he knew they were targeting him; no matter how furious he was, he was powerless to change anything, so he merely stared at the faces of the clan elders, offering cold smiles.

"I disagree."

However, before the family head could speak, Shi Tan, who sat at the same round table with everyone, was the first to voice his displeasure.

"Shi Tan, what do you mean?!"

"Shi Tan, you have no right to speak here! You have not yet cleared the suspicion of having murdered the previous head!"

The clan elders, after hearing Shi Tan's words, all turned to him and shouted angrily.

"Right to speak? I was the one who retrieved the ancestral Glamorous Silk Mirror Classic for you old fools, and also recovered the previous head's urn. With that achievement, there's no problem with me running for head, right?!"

Shi Tan looked at the clan elders and retorted.

"You..."

The clan elders, hearing that, were instantly at a loss for words.

"Moreover, I am also seated at this round table, equal to you all."

Seeing the others choked up, Shi Tan continued.

"Your seat was taken from me..."

As Shi Tan's words fell, the Fifth Elder of the clan rose in fury and roared at Shi Tan.

"Boom!"

Shi Tan said no more nonsense; he drew the Soul‑Severing Blade from his waist and forcefully slashed the noisy Fifth Elder! Instantly, bright red blood splattered across the entire round table, leaving the clan elders dumbfounded; no one expected Shi Tan to, like that crazy teacher, actually dare to rise up and wound someone in front of everyone!

The Fifth Elder, struck by Shi Tan, widened his eyes in disbelief, then collapsed onto the ground behind him, losing consciousness.

"Someone who can't even protect his own seat, after becoming the head of our Gangmidai clan, how could he possibly protect the clan and the people behind us?!"

"Everyone, please believe me! In this world of the strong devouring the weak, only I, Shi Tan of the Gangmidai clan, can lead our clan to ever greater strength! Only I can make the Gangmidai clan great again!"

Shi Tan gently wiped the blood from the Soul‑Severing Blade, sheathed it, and smiled warmly at everyone present.

"Shi Tan, you went too far!"

The Third Elder, who had previously been restrained by Second Elder, rose again from his seat and shouted at Shi Tan.

"Don't just watch, quickly take him down for treatment."

Then, the Third Elder didn't forget to address the Gangmidai clan members behind him who were terrified.

"Oh, okay, fine..."

The Gangmidai clan members, hearing this, dared not hesitate and immediately lifted the Fifth Elder, who lay on the ground unconscious from massive blood loss.

"Also, capture the scoundrel who slashed the Fifth Elder at the meeting, suspected of plotting the previous head's murder! Imprison him, and after the head election meeting ends, let the new head interrogate Shi Tan."

Immediately, the Third Elder continued to issue orders to the Gangmidai clan members listening in the meeting room.

"Hum~"

In response, Shi Tan of the Gangmidai clan merely sneered, remaining seated silently in his spot, unmoving.

"Hey! Third Brother, aren't you a bit too excited?"

I think Shi Tan did a great job! Just as Shi Tan said, those Five Elders can't even hold onto the spot on their own behind, and if the head of our Gangmidai family were taken by such a weak person, that would be a disaster!

Shi Tan made the right choice for the future of our Gangmidai family; shouldn't we be glad? Since Shi Tan has merit, why not let him replace the previous Five Elders and join this Gangmidai family leadership election…

At the moment the Three Elders were furious, the Second Elder spoke again, cutting off the Three Elder's words.

If the Second Elder's earlier words were for his own benefit, then his now speaking on Shi Tan's behalf is obvious to any clear‑sighted person that his relationship with Shi Tan of the Gangmidai family is far from simple.

"Second brother, what is this…"

The Three Elder was gradually coming to his senses; he looked at the Second Elder beside him with a hint of fear, and the Second Elder—his second brother—felt strangely unfamiliar to him.

"Elders of the clan, do you think what I say is correct?"

The Second Elder did not explain anything to the Three Elder beside him, but instead addressed the listening elders behind him.

"Exactly so…"

The moment the Second Elder spoke, the elders immediately responded.

"Something's wrong! Way wrong…"

The Three Elder could no longer sit still; his body trembled slightly as he looked at Shi Tan nearby.

"Shi Tan, what exactly did you do? Tell me, what did you do to them?"

"What kind of backing do you have that makes the clan elders speak for you?!"

"As a branch‑family descendant, what virtue or ability lets you sit at the same table with us and take part in the Gangmidai family leadership race? Shi Tan, answer me…"

The Three Elder glared at Shi Tan beside him and demanded angrily.

"My background is indeed humble compared with everyone here!"

"But I can't deny that I'm lucky to have found a great master."

Shi Tan smiled faintly at the Three Elder and at all the elders present.

"You…"

As Shi Tan finished speaking, the family patriarch of the Gangmidai clan and the Three Elder both changed expression.

At that moment they seemed to understand why Shi Tan appeared so brazen…

Because Shi Tan's master—currently the strongest Death God of the Jingling Court, also the captain of the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad and a member of the Royal Clan's Zero Squad, Huangmu—has intervened in the Gangmidai family's affairs, everything suddenly became exceedingly troublesome…

"Do you think your master can meddle in our Gangmidai family's matters at will?"

The Three Elder seemed both angry and embarrassed, scolding Shi Tan.

"What? Are you saying I can't take part in your Gangmidai family leadership election?"

As the Three Elder opened his mouth, the door of the Gangmidai family meeting hall was suddenly forced open; Huangmu, wearing the First Squad leader's haori, swaggered in, faced the assembled Gangmidai members, and said coldly.

"Master."

Shi Tan looked at the newcomer, rose immediately, and yielded his seat to Huangmu.

"Hmm…"

Huangmu simply nodded lightly, then sat down. He had fought all night yesterday, his back and waist aching, with no time to rest, and rushed over to back Shi Tan…

Since becoming captain of the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad, Huangmu clearly feels his workload has increased.

"Captain Huangmu."

As Huangmu took his seat, the Second Elder immediately smiled and gave Huangmu a slight nod.

At the same time, the Fourth Elder, who had been silent, also smiled like the Second Elder.

At that moment the Three Elder and the patriarch felt a chill; clearly Huangmu came prepared and had them of the Gangmidai family in his grip…

"I have an appointment with Central Room 46 later, so I'll keep my words brief here…"

Huangmu nodded to the Second and Fourth Elders of the Gangmidai family and then spoke plainly.

"Captain Huangmu handles countless affairs daily and is always extremely weary; just tell us directly whatever you have to say…"

As Huangmu finished, the Fourth Elder immediately flattered.

"Hmm…"

"I propose that the next head of the Gangmidai family be my student, who is also the most outstanding youngster among you—the Gangmidai Shi Tan—to assume the role…"

"Who among you is for, who is against?"

Huangmu sat at the round table, his aura fully unleashed, as if he were the true boss of the Gangmidai family.

Huangmu didn't even glance at the Gangmidai elders, speaking calmly in a flat tone.

"I oppose!"

The Gangmidai family's Three Elder, at this point, also went all out; the moment Huangmu finished speaking, he rose from his seat and roared at Huangmu.

"I also oppose!"

The Gangmidai family patriarch, who already bore a blood feud against Shi Tan, also rose at this moment and snarled at Huangmu: "Even if you, Huangmu, have boundless authority, here you are just an outsider; you have no right to meddle in our Gangmidai family's internal affairs!"

"Swish!"

Huangmu, hearing the chaotic croaking around him, didn't even lift an eyelid, casually drew the Soul‑Cutting Blade from his waist and swung it twice at the air, not even bothering to aim…

Instantly, two black slashes shot up from Huangmu's Soul‑Cutting Blade, cutting the shouting patriarch and the Three Elder into the air.

"Now do I have the right?!"

"Who still opposes now?"

Huangmu gently sheathed the Soul‑Cutting Blade and coldly asked the elders present.

"…"

As Huangmu finished, the elders fell silent.

"Clap clap clap…"

Before anyone could speak, the Second Elder of the Gangmidai family already burst into applause.

"Thank you, Captain Huangmu, for eliminating two more scoundrels from our Gangmidai family! Our family's future has instantly become much brighter…"

The "Second Elder" rose to his feet and fervently lectured Aramaki.

"Captain Aramaki's might and dominance are awe‑inspiring; we, the Gangmidai heads, are still far behind…"

"Young ones, watch closely; this is the example you should learn from!"

"When you see a scoundrel, do not hesitate—strike with a heavy fist immediately…"

The "Fourth Elder" of the Gangmidai Clan, also a master of the mouth‑shadow level of verbal evasion, stood up and kept praising Aramaki.

"I'll leave the rest to you now."

Aramaki said nothing more and tossed this mess straight to Shi Tan behind him.

"Very well, Master!"

Shi Tan bowed lightly to Aramaki in respect.

"Mm."

Aramaki nodded, then in an instant stepped forward and vanished into the Gangmidai Clan's meeting hall.

Aramaki's business was not yet finished; he still had to go on to the next task, where the sages and judges of the Forty‑sixth Chamber were still waiting for him.

"Now, everyone, regarding my appointment as the next head of the Gangmidai family…"

"Who votes for, who votes against?"

It can only be said that Shi Tan truly is Aramaki's disciple; the killing and questioning, the gestures and words, are all exactly the same.

"I vote for it!"

The "Second Elder" was the first to vote in favor of Shi Tan.

"I also vote for it!"

The "Fourth Elder" was not to be outdone, repeatedly preaching to Shi Tan.

"From today onward, I am the head of the Gangmidai family."

Shi Tan said this while retrieving the Yanluo Mirror Classic from the table back to his waist.

In fact, Shi Tan never intended to give away the priceless artifact he had hard‑won; it was equipment that emerged only after he personally killed the former head, so he could not simply return it. He showed everyone the Yanluo Mirror Classic, announced he had found it, and after the demonstration it should naturally revert to its original owner…

The Gangmidai Clan's medical room…

It was unclear what state of mind Aramaki was in; although he had beheaded the clan's steward in one stroke, he left the "Third Elder" of the Gangmidai family gasping. At this moment, the "Third Elder" was gradually recovering before the clan's powerful medical equipment, opening his weary eyes…

"Third brother, you're awake?!"

The "Second Elder" of the Gangmidai clan looked at his awakened "Third brother" and grasped his hand with great excitement.

"Second brother! We must never, never let Shi Tan become the head of our Gangmidai clan…"

"Shi Tan is just a lapdog of Aramaki! If he becomes our clan's head, our Gangmidai lineage, which has lasted a million years, will be doomed! We cannot let it be broken in our generation…"

The "Third Elder" of the Gangmidai clan, truly devoted to the family, immediately after opening his eyes reached for his brother's hand and poured out his thoughts.

"Third brother, don't get so worked up yet…"

After hearing his third brother's words, the "Second Elder" showed a hint of helplessness in his expression.

"Third brother, the Jingling Court is now under Aramaki's control; that is the inevitable trend! It's not something one or two of us can handle. Now that Aramaki has set his sights on our Gangmidai clan, we can only endure!"

"Moreover, Shi Tan's blood indeed runs with our Gangmidai lineage; who could refuse him as head? Since Shi Tan is so capable, let him have it…"

The "Second Elder" spoke passionately to his third brother, holding his hand and continuing to lecture.

"Second brother, you're being foolish! This isn't that simple!"

"Although Shi Tan still bears the Gangmidai name, his heart already belongs to the Yuanliu!"

"His bloodline is no longer pure enough…"

At this moment the "Third Elder" was already bewildered by his second brother's words; he gripped his brother's hand tightly and shouted angrily.

"I understand, I understand…"

Hearing this, the "Second Elder" looked helplessly at the ceiling, a trace of sorrow in his eyes.

"Enough! I'll settle this with Shi Tan once I recover."

The "Third Elder" watched his second brother in silence, his brows tightly knit; he resolved to confront Aramaki and Shi Tan for an explanation once his injuries healed.

"Third brother, why are you doing this?"

The "Second Elder" heard this and his gaze grew increasingly cold.

"I have already made a decision on this matter; no need for you, second brother, to say more."

At this point the "Third Elder" had not yet noticed the oddness in the "Second Elder's" eyes; he kept speaking endlessly.

"Third brother, you say this! If you just die like this, won't you avoid all the suffering that follows?!"

"You claim your vitality is so tenacious—what purpose does that serve?"

Yet before the "Third Elder" could think further, the "Second Elder" continued speaking, and this time even the "Third Elder" sensed something amiss.

"Second brother, what you're doing is…"

The "Third Elder," lying in the sickbed, immobile, heard his second brother's words, his eyes flashing with terror as he asked the "Second Elder."

"Don't blame me, brother. Aramaki promised that if I support Shi Tan, you'll let me inherit the three elders' estates! Now the steward is dead, the "Fourth Elder" has also submitted to Aramaki, I have already secretly taken the "Fifth Elder's" estate, and only one elder's estate remains—guess whose it is?!"

The "Second Elder" said this while pulling a dagger from his chest and placing it on the immobile "Third Elder's" neck.

"Second brother, listen to me…"

"Spare my life, and I'll give you all my estates!"

At this moment the "Third Elder" was truly panicked; the reason he dared to say he would later settle scores with Shi Tan and Aramaki was that they had not killed him—he thought they were too afraid to—only to realize it wasn't that they were afraid, but that someone else had killed him.

"Foolish! Third brother, you're dead, and all your estates belong to second brother…"

"Third brother, heed your brother's words and go to hell and wait for me; when I've spent most of your estates, I'll go to hell to find you…"

The "Second Elder" said, and the dagger already pierced the "Third brother's" throat.

"Take a deep breath! Take a deep breath."

Dizziness is normal…

Dizziness means you're about to die.

The Second Elder kept his Third Younger Brother's neck twisted until his Third Younger Brother completely passed away; only then did he stop, and he used the white gauze from his brother's sickbed to wipe his blood‑stained hands.

Ugh— this is what we call professionalism…

Outside the ward's window, in the small garden opposite, the newly appointed head Shitan, after witnessing the scene, calmly said to the Fourth Elder behind him.

As expected of the Second Elder, truly impressive.

The Fourth Elder heard this and smiled lightly.

He didn't lose his own brother, so there's no reason for him to be sad…

From today onward, you are the family's Third Elder.

Shitan said this while patting the person behind him on the shoulder.

I am deeply honored.

The Fourth Elder, after hearing Shitan's words, gave a faint smile. From today, he became the Gangmidai Family's Third Elder, taking a big step closer to the pinnacle of power…

When the whale falls, all things are born…

After several elders of the Gangmidai Family died, some mourned, but many rejoiced; every reveler secured a share of the feast.

Then, next…

My side of the matter is settled.

Shitan, clad in the head family's feathered robe of the Gangmidai Family, with the flamboyant Luo Jingdian and his own Zanpo Blade at his waist, wore a faint smile; he had never felt as honored as today in deciding to take Huangmu as his master.

Since he became Huangmu's disciple, in just a few hundred years, his status leapt from an ignored offshoot scion of the Gangmidai Family to captain of the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad's 9th Squad, and he also became the head of the Gangmidai Family; to put it bluntly, he now stands on equal footing with his senior sister Si Fengyuan Ye Yi in rank…

On the other side.

At this moment, Huangmu had arrived at Central Room 46.

Captain Huangmu! We don't know why you've come to Central Room 46—what is it about?!

The judges of Room 46 looked at Huangmu cautiously and asked.

Facing Huangmu, who never considers consequences and always rushes recklessly through the Soul World, they dared not show any carelessness or arrogance, and respectfully asked him.

After all, Huangmu truly dares to kill people!

Seeing all of you, I am reminded of the past…

Huangmu looked at the sages present from Room 46 and gave a faint smile,

Oh? Captain Huangmu, have you ever had contact with our Room 46 before?

As Huangmu spoke, the sages immediately asked him.

It seemed they intended to use the chance to get closer to Huangmu…

Of course…

The last time I came to Room 46, every sage and judge there was wiped out clean by the Great Void Yiji Siji Ba that escaped from the Spirit King Palace! Thinking back now, I oddly miss it…

Huangmu heard this and gave a slight smile.

This…

The members of Room 46, after hearing Huangmu's words, all changed color.

Huangmu discussing the previous massacre of Room 46 by the Great Void right in front of them—what does this mean?! Is he threatening them?!

Hehe…

I mean, I really miss the times when I led a team into the Void Circle to slaughter Great Voids.

Huangmu looked at the wildly changing faces of the Room 46 members and continued to explain.

Oh, oh…

After hearing Huangmu, the members of Room 46's expressions improved a bit.

Of course, it's only a slight improvement over the previous death‑pale, ashen looks.

Captain Huangmu, by bringing up the old Great Void hunts, are you planning to go to the Void Circle yourself to hunt the Great Voids?!

At this moment, a sage from Room 46 suddenly realized something, stood up with great excitement, and asked Huangmu.

Honestly, he would love for Huangmu to leave the Jingling Court quickly; whatever price Huangmu must pay to depart, he's willing to bear…

Oh?!

As soon as the Room 46 members spoke, all the sages' faces lit up…

Everyone's eyes were full of anticipation; just as the earlier sage had hoped, they were all eager to see Huangmu leave.

Haha, you all are joking…

I am now the captain of the Guardian Court Thirteen Squad; I cannot leave this Jingling Court.

Huangmu, after hearing them, gave a gentle smile.

This…

When the sages of Room 46 heard Huangmu's words, they slumped back into their seats, feeling disappointed.

Then, Captain Huangmu, what exactly are you referring to about those old times?!

The sages, half‑heartedly, looked at Huangmu and asked.

This time I, together with Master Yuanliuzhai, am heading to the Void Circle, not only to fight there more freely without worrying about the surroundings, but also with the intention of investigating the Void Circle!

During our investigation of the Void Circle, we were shocked to discover that over the years the Void Circle has silently accumulated many higher‑level Great Voids…

If we Death Gods do not act, once the higher‑level Great Voids in the Void Circle become saturated, it will be hard for us Death Gods to deliver effective strikes against the Void Circle's Great Voids…

Huangmu first described the state of the Void Circle to the sages present.

Then, Huangmu loudly stated his idea: "So what I mean is, to counter the ever‑growing Great Voids in the Void Circle, we need to form a dedicated unit to march into the Void Circle and exterminate the Great Voids, then eradicate them beyond the boundary!"

This…

Room Forty-Six heard this and fell silent, they looked at each other, and for a moment no one could decide.

Captain Aramaki! I think handling the extermination of the Great Hollow is something you can decide on your own; there's no need to get Room Forty-Six's approval!

After a moment, a judge from Room Forty-Six looked at Aramaki and spoke softly.

Forming a unit is not difficult for me!

But how should we handle the money needed to form this unit?!

Aramaki politely looked at the members of Room Forty-Six and smiled.

This...

Upon hearing this, the sages of Room Forty-Six suddenly realized: after all this fuss, Aramaki came to them for money!

Aramaki, as Captain of the Guardian Thirteen Squads, you have no money?!

Room Forty-Six, hearing Aramaki's words, spoke up in inquiry. After all, the Guardian Thirteen Squads have plenty of resources daily; how could the captain possibly have nothing at all?!

The captain is often just a figurehead; every morning I have to consider the food, clothing, and expenses of so many in the Guardian Thirteen Squads—how much money can actually end up in my hands?!

Hearing this, Aramaki spoke calmly.

Aramaki's words left the Room Forty-Six present speechless; it seemed as if he had just become captain, as if he himself had been doing this for many years.

So how much money do you need?

At this point, a judge, seeming weary, asked Aramaki.

Money, of course, the more the better...

Hearing this, Aramaki smiled and replied.

Hehe, the more the better...

The sages hearing this immediately sneered. Aramaki really dared to open his mouth wide like a lion—does he really think he can consume so much of their family's money by himself?!

Even if Yuan Liuzhi wanted to set up a school and needed a lot of funds, he would persuade them with kind words, not dare to openly extort them! This Aramaki is truly extraordinary...

We'll contribute ten million! Help you go out to exterminate Hollows!

At this moment, a judge thought it over and gave a figure.

Ten million mon, which amounts to each household contributing over two hundred thousand, is not much for them...

Not enough!

Hearing this, Aramaki didn't even think and directly refused.

Then tell me, how much money do you want?!

At this point, an impatient sage looked at Aramaki and asked.

This number!

Hearing this, Aramaki smiled and extended a finger.

One hundred million?!

The sage looked at Aramaki's extended finger, his brows knitting tightly.

One hundred million mon is no small sum! It amounts to each household contributing two million...

For the sages of Room Forty-Six, this is also equivalent to half a year's wages.

I'm talking about one billion!

After hearing Room Forty-Six's words, Aramaki laughed.

You're fucking crazy? One billion? Why don't you just go rob someone?!

A sage, hearing Aramaki's words, was so shocked he nearly fainted; he had originally thought Aramaki was just boasting, at most a hundred million, but he underestimated Aramaki's appetite—Aramaki straight out demanded a hundred billion from them, and even if they had it they couldn't afford to give it.

Everyone, you've misunderstood...

This one billion is money that Aramaki is borrowing from you, the sages of Room Forty-Six!

Aramaki looked at the sages about to leave and immediately explained.

Oh?!

Borrow? There's borrowing money to exterminate Hollows?

As Aramaki's words fell, the sages all froze, not understanding what he meant.

Please, sages, settle down and listen to Aramaki explain slowly...

This one billion is money I borrowed from the sages and judges of Room Forty-Six! The purpose is to organize forces to go out and exterminate Hollows, but the other great noble houses don't know; they'll think this money comes from the sages' own hearts, wanting to exterminate the Great Hollow of the Hollow Realm...

Aramaki stopped speaking here, deliberately pausing briefly.

So, however much we sages and judges contribute, the Five Great Noble Houses of the Pure Spirit Court must contribute the same! If they contribute less, they'll be pointed at and cursed for inaction, for not wanting to exterminate the Great Hollow of the Hollow Realm; then whoever doesn't pay will have their reputation utterly ruined! And however much the Five Great Noble Houses contribute, the other noble houses must immediately follow suit, or else they'll be seen as not responding to the Five Great Noble Houses' call and will be kicked out of the noble ranks at once...

A judge immediately understood Aramaki's meaning and continued along his line.

At that time, the money of the judges and sages will all be returned...

Hearing this, Aramaki gave a light smile.

We'll split the money from the Five Great Noble Houses and the other noble houses!

Without Aramaki needing to say more, a sage immediately understood.

Sage, you're perceptive!

Aramaki immediately flattered.

It's Captain Aramaki's brilliant plan after another...

At this moment, the sage no longer dared to underestimate Aramaki; the instant Aramaki spoke, he immediately offered praise.

In his eyes, Aramaki was already one of them.

There's no wine here, so I'll substitute tea for wine!" Aramaki said, raising the tea cup in his hand, and addressing the sages and judges present: "Sages, high! Judges, firm!

Captain, high and firm!!

As Huang Mu's words fell, all the sages and judges present immediately rose from their seats and likewise raised the teacups in their hands.

Hahaha...

In the next second, everyone present burst into laughter; just moments ago they had looked like mortal enemies, now they were as close as family—making money, after all~no hard feelings!

"But since we're dividing the money of the 'Five Great Aristocratic Families,' isn't this hundred billion a bit low?"

At this moment, a sage rubbed his head, looked at the people present, and asked tentatively.

Now, such an occasion may not come again; as they say, the more you interact, the more you gain!

"Tsk! What are you saying? The captain-general just said earlier that this money is naturally the more the better!"

As the sage's words fell, a judge immediately spoke up dissatisfiedly.

"My mistake, indeed my mistake! The more the better, the more the better..."

Upon hearing that, the sage immediately drained the tea in his cup, and at the same time gave an apologetic smile to everyone present.

Shen Yi! Continue, a ten-thousand-word chapter!