Chapter 97

Two days later.

Morning.

When Lu Zhangsheng stepped into the DemonSubduingOffice's main hall, he immediately sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off.

Three FuduDianZhu and several Patrol Envoys were inside the hall, and there were many unfamiliar figures around, their aura quite strong.

These people were clearly senior strongmen of the DemonSubduingOffice.

At this moment, XiaoTiansi's face turned iron‑blue as he looked at the central open space of the hall.

Lu Zhangsheng's gaze swept the area and discovered the headless corpses of two Patrol Envoys.

Moreover, both of them were under XiaoTiansi's command.

He hurried over to Tong Yuhua's side and stopped.

The woman's body technique was quite swift; this time she actually escaped back.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng return safely, Tong Yuhua turned her head and gave a faint smile, her eyes revealing a hint of joy.

The two were the weakest among the six, yet they escaped unharmed, while the two under XiaoTiansi fell, which left everyone present rather surprised.

Even Zhu Houyu and Chen Zhanpeng showed a trace of something unusual in their eyes.

Two days ago, they had thought that the two of Tong Yuhua had fallen.

Qin Ruobing saw Lu Zhangsheng return safely and a trace of smile curled at the corner of her mouth.

"It is said that the Guardian of the heretical cult was beheaded; this matter is indeed strange."

XiaoTiansi's expression was cold and fierce.

His Patrol Envoys kept falling one after another, causing him to lose a lot of face; even HeChunlin and Qin Ruobing were watching him as a joke, which made him quite displeased.

"It may have been a passing strongman who slashed them."

Qin Ruobing wore a calm expression.

"The conflict between the two sides has already escalated; we still need to be prepared."

"Indeed, those heretical cultists have abducted many children, likely forging demonic arts, and the Black Mountain bandits are also involved; truly a troublesome season..."

HeChunlin let out a soft sigh.

If the situation develops like this, the two sides will eventually erupt into a full‑scale war.

By then, even the three of them would not dare claim they could retreat unscathed.

"Once the County Lord's side is ready, we will leave the city to eradicate the bandits and cleanse all heretical cultists."

XiaoTiansi's tone was extremely cold.

At this moment, Qin Ruobing's imposing gaze swept the room: "When you leave the city, be extremely careful if you encounter strong heretical cultists; within the linked gem range, you must provide full support."

After the full‑scale production at the Heavenly Craft Hall, most strongmen inside the DemonSubduingOffice are now equipped.

"We receive the order."

The crowd spoke in unison.

Then, a group of people left the hall one after another.

……

In the days that followed, the fighting outside the city grew increasingly fierce.

The two factions clashed in bloody skirmishes along the official road, coming at each other repeatedly.

At the same time, many heretical cultists hid in the shadows, gathering boys and girls.

Through the rescued hostages and the destroyed strongholds, the authorities discovered that those of the Wenxiang Sect were actually forging pills.

Using children's pure blood for extraction is sheer madness.

Where those pills are being used remains unknown.

The situation around the entire county town grew increasingly bizarre.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

These days, Lu Zhangsheng kept a low profile, practicing sword techniques in the courtyard and not interacting with anyone else.

The Source Energy Points in his hand continued to increase endlessly, as if without limit.

He estimated that the resources in that small mountain range were sufficient for him to breakthrough to the Blood Transmutation stage.

That day, at noon.

Lu Zhangsheng opened the panel.

A blue light screen appeared in the void ahead.

Source Energy Points: 1100.

After many days of excavation, his resources again surpassed a thousand.

However, the plus sign after the technique simulation remained gray.

He suspected that to simulate a higher‑level technique, his resources might still be insufficient.

He no longer hesitated and immediately began to improve his footwork.

His mind shifted, and he clicked the plus sign.

"Buzz…"

As the Source Energy Points decreased, a faint wave resurfaced, as if a strong cultivator were rehearsing in his mind.

【After years of arduous cultivation, your Cloud Smoke Step has finally reached a divine state.】

A moment later.

Lu Zhangsheng swallowed a mouthful of spirit wine, the lingering coolness rushing straight to his Heavenly Spirit Cover.

His legs thrust, and his whole body began to swiftly leap around the courtyard.

Gradually, the speed increased so much that his body became invisible, only countless shadows darting through the courtyard, astonishingly.

Whoosh—

Lu Zhangsheng halted his footwork and stood in the center of the courtyard.

Countless afterimages from all directions swarmed together, merging with his body as one.

His expression was rather delighted.

After this breakthrough, his speed increased considerably again.

He feared that within the whole county, few could catch up with him now.

At that moment, a faint footstep interrupted his thoughts.

Lu Zhangsheng turned his head and saw a woman in white robes strolling in from outside the courtyard.

The woman was beautiful and slender, her steps light, but her eyes carried a trace of anxiety.

The visitor was Yue Shulan.

Soon after, Yue Shulan arrived in front of Lu Zhangsheng.

"Why do you have time to come here today?"

Lu Zhangsheng looked slightly puzzled.

The two, having once been teammates, did have some rapport.

Yue Shulan pinched her skirt hem, her face showing hesitation to speak.

"Just tell me what's on your mind."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

He guessed that she was probably concerned about matters within the Shark Gang.

A year ago, when she invited him to become a Guest Minister, he outright declined.

Sure enough, her following words confirmed his suspicion.

"My mother wishes to see you, and if there is any collision with you, please don't take offense."

Yue Shulan's tone was gentle.

She could vaguely infer her mother's intent; if it were due to some matter that displeased Lu Zhangsheng, they might not even remain friends.

Moreover, Lu Zhangsheng was rising rapidly within the DemonSubduingOffice, widening the gap between them.

That she could meet him today was thanks to their past rapport, which she naturally treasured.

"Then let's meet."

Lu Zhangsheng crossed his arms and gave a faint smile.

Yue Shulan personally extended the invitation; considering their years of friendship, he decided to meet her first.

As for expecting him to help for free, that was impossible; it depended on what the legendary beautiful gang leader would price.

The two walked forward, moving through the bustling crowd.

Pedestrians on both sides stepped aside.

Soon.

Lu Zhangsheng and the other arrived before a large courtyard, where a vermilion gate stood flanked by two imposing stone lions.

Two gang members in blue robes stood on either side of the gate, their faces vigilant as they scanned the surroundings.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng approach, a tall slender gang member said calmly, "Miss, according to the gang rules, idle outsiders are not allowed inside."

As he spoke, the two blocked the doorway.

Lu Zhangsheng's gaze hardened at the sight.

Yue Shulan had brought him here, yet they were blocked; evidently the beautiful gang leader's days were not going well, perhaps she had already fallen from power.

"Get out of the way. Even the officials of the DemonSubduingOffice are within your power to block?"

Yue Shulan's pretty face turned fierce.

She hadn't expected the sub‑leader's subordinates to be so bold.

They even dared to block the distinguished guest she had painstakingly invited.

The two gang members exchanged glances, their faces showing struggle.

The senior bigwigs and the DemonSubduingOffice's strongmen were not to be offended; a slight misstep meant certain death.

A few breaths later.

The two finally couldn't bear the pressure and retreated.

But after stepping back, they immediately ran toward the end of the street, likely to inform the gang's higher‑ups.

Yue Shulan ignored them and led Lu Zhangsheng deeper into the courtyard.

The two walked onward, passing many small structures, until they reached a delicate loft.

"My mother is inside."

Yue Shulan gave a slight smile, standing prettily before the loft, seemingly not intending to go in.

"Hmm."

Lu Zhangsheng smiled and nodded.

He stepped over the steps, pushed open the door, and entered.

Inside, a beautiful woman in a pink long dress sat gracefully on a chair.

Her face was charming, with willow‑like eyebrows like a crescent moon, eyes shimmering, stirring the heart. She was the Shark Gang leader Yue Wenting.

She appeared only twenty‑seven or twenty‑eight, not like Yue Shulan's adoptive mother, but rather like a sister.

The beautiful gang leader was quite renowned in the county; she was the daughter of the previous Shark Gang leader, never married, and had taken a girl as an adopted daughter—Yue Shulan.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng arrive for the appointment, Yue Wenting smiled sweetly, as if even the worry at the corners of her eyes had largely faded.

"Thank you, Patrol Envoy Lu, for gracing us with your presence."

She hurried to rise, greeted with a graceful bow, her pink long dress outlining a striking figure.

"Squeak…"

Lu Zhangsheng casually closed the door, strode to the table, and sat down.

The table was laden with various delicacies, their aromas flooding the air.

"Moon Gang Leader, what do you want from me?"

His tone was flat as he got straight to the point.

His own time was precious, and he had no room for idle chatter.

Since they were not far apart, he could roughly sense the other's martial cultivation.

The woman had only achieved near Bone-forging completion, without breaking through the blood renewal.

Given that the two Shark Gang deputy leaders were already at Bone-forging completion, Yue Wanting feared she could hardly suppress them.

Yue Wanting's face grew sorrowful: "Alas… the vast Shark Gang is already slipping from my grasp, my father's legacy is at risk; I hope Sir Lu will consider my sister Yue Shulan's sake…"

Her tone was hushed, her eyes filled with anguish.

In the past year and a half, the two deputy leaders had pressed relentlessly, and even the elders left by her father had largely defected, exhausting her spirit.

Moreover, the two deputies had secretly colluded with the Sanhe Gang; with her strength, a reversal was almost impossible, forcing her to seek Lu Zhangsheng again.

She hoped that this DemonSubduingOffice Patrol Envoy, at the height of his power, could bring about change for her.

Lu Zhangsheng listened silently, gave no reply, and wore a half‑smile.

He would not intervene merely out of pity; the Shark Gang's change of leadership bore little relevance to him.

To him, all gains must follow the principle of equal exchange.

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng remain silent.

Yue Wanting's gaze shifted, realizing that playing the victim was useless to this Lu Patrol Envoy.

She whispered again:

"If Sir Lu agrees to act, I am willing to offer thirty thousand taels of silver, ten advanced cultivation manuals, one supreme manual, and four maidservants of superior beauty and bearing…"

She did not try to be clever; instead she put forward her highest price.

This displayed her sincerity.

She believed these items would move him and felt fairly confident.

Lu Zhangsheng heard this, his expression flickered slightly.

The sincerity was considerable; the Shark Gang could not earn thirty thousand taels in a year, and these manuals were likely the opponent's all‑out offering.

However, to him they were merely chicken ribs—of no use.

He was not short of silver; the manuals could be deduced directly with Source Energy Points.

Yue Shulan, seeing Lu Zhangsheng remain unmoved, was astonished.

She had not expected these items still wouldn't prompt him to act; it completely exceeded her expectations.

These resources were nearly the limit of what she could provide.

A few breaths later.

Yue Wanting's face suddenly twisted with struggle.

The two deputy leaders pressed relentlessly; now she had nowhere to retreat.

The opponent not only sought to force her into marriage and obtain her Red Pill, but also intended to swallow the entire Shark Gang—something she could never accept.

"Rather than marrying an old man, it'd be better to…"

Thinking this, Yue Wanting glanced at Lu Zhangsheng's heroic bearing, then suddenly began to untie her own robe.

As the long dress slipped down slowly.

Her fragrant shoulders half‑exposed a swath of snow‑white skin, exuding countless charms.

At this moment, Yue Wanting's face flushed scarlet, as if covered with burning clouds.

"As long as Sir Lu is willing to act, I…"

This was her final card; she considered herself well‑kept, offering herself for a night to secure the Shark Gang's legacy, though it was a reluctant choice.

Given her own beauty, she presumed the opponent would not refuse, and a sliver of confidence returned to her heart.

"Wait… has the other party misunderstood something?"

Lu Zhangsheng's face froze, his mind filled with puzzlement.

"Madam need not be like that."

He hurriedly spoke to halt her.

Such a scene was wholly unexpected to him; he had not imagined Yue Wanting's predicament was so dire.

Otherwise the gang leader would not act in this manner.

Of course, Lu Zhangsheng would never commit such base deeds.

The two still had the bond with Yue Shulan.

Upon hearing that, Yue Wanting's eyes instantly showed a thread of despair.

"Sir Lu still refuses to act?"

She had not expected that even with herself, she could not move Lu Zhangsheng.

His martial heart was perhaps too steadfast.

She also knew that anyone who could become a Patrol Envoy must be top‑tier in Bone-forging.

The two deputy leaders were fundamentally not her opponents.

If Lu Zhangsheng were willing to intervene, her crisis could be largely resolved.

"I can act, but certain conditions are required."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a slight smile.

"What conditions?"

Yue Wanting's eyes lit up with joy.

As long as Lu Zhangsheng speaks, she will find a way to make it happen, and the Shark Gang matter gains a turning point.

"I want the entire Shark Gang to fall under my command, to hand over fifty percent of the profits each year, and also to gather intelligence from all quarters…"

Lu Zhangsheng spoke slowly, directly stating his own terms.

He also didn't want to beat around the bush, lest the other side cause more trouble.

He was inclined to act: first, to strike the Sanhe Gang and prevent them from easily swallowing the Shark Gang; second, he needed a faction of his own, and the Shark Gang was readily available.

"What!"

Yue Wanting's complexion startled, and the joy in her eyes faded quickly.

She hadn't expected the other side to make such a bold demand; these terms were no different from those given to the two deputy gang leaders.

She said resolutely, "The Shark Gang is the legacy my father left behind; I will never agree…"

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile, knowing that these terms would probably be hard for her to accept.

He was merely probing Yue Wanting's bottom line step by step.

"The Shark Gang's leader will still be you; I won't take part in any management, but you will need to complete the tasks I issue from time to time. How does that sound?"

Yue Wanting heard this, her eyes filled with struggle.

These terms, though harsh, were far better than being swallowed whole.

She also understood that this was probably the final offer.

If she refused, Lu Zhangsheng would never act for the sake of his daughter's face.

She understood this point very clearly.

Lu Zhangsheng didn't press, merely watching her quietly.

After a moment.

Yue Wanting finally couldn't bear the pressure and let out a soft sigh.

"Alas… I agree, but could the tribute be reduced a bit? How about thirty percent each year?"

"Fine."

Lu Zhangsheng smiled and nodded in agreement.

"I pay my respects to Lord Lu."

Yue Wanting smiled sweetly and bowed again.

"From now on, just call me Young Master Lu."

Lu Zhangsheng crossed his arms behind his back and spoke with a smile.

"The weather's cool; you should put your clothes on first."

Yue Wanting blushed at his words, immediately picked up the long skirt on the ground and draped it over herself.

At that moment, a hint of loss rose in her heart, wondering whether her charm had waned or the other's will was too steadfast.

"Since you have free time today, go gather all those dissenters; you can deal with them at once."

Lu Zhangsheng waved his hand, his expression neutral.

"Gather everyone? Isn't it better to defeat them one by one?"

Yue Wanting's face froze, as if she had misheard.

Even with the two deputy gang leaders and a fully supportive Bone-forging follower, even if the two of them attacked together, it would be hard to kill the opponent.

It might even backfire in the gutter.

"Young Master, should we be more cautious?"

Yue Wanting sounded rather worried.

Since it concerns the entire Shark Gang's legacy, she didn't want any mishap.

"No problem, just do as I say."

Lu Zhangsheng gave a faint smile.

"I will obey your command."

Seeing Lu Zhangsheng's continued insistence, Yue Wanting could no longer persuade him and had to take a gamble.

If she were to fail, dying in battle would also be an acceptable choice for her.

Having made up her mind, Yue Wanting hurried out of the house.

(End of chapter)