Chapter 254

Ding Xuan no longer hesitated, clasped his hands, and said: "My lord, you are truly benevolent and kind—normally, the position of Lord of Lvteng City requires a Star Wheel cultivation base, yet you make an exception for this humble Purple Mansion cultivator. Such a tremendous favor leaves Ding Mou trembling with awe, as if you were my rebirth-giving parents, a debt I could never repay in this lifetime..."

Hearing the praise, Zhao Hu lifted his head and nodded.

But just then, Ding Xuan suddenly changed tone: "Yet Lvteng City remains a vital stronghold of Tiandou Prefecture. Ding Mou's cultivation base is shallow; I know full well I lack the ability, so I dare not go and make a fool of myself, lest I bring shame upon my lord."

Zhao Hu's expression froze.

He widened his eyes, staring at Ding Xuan in disbelief.

He never imagined this Ding Xuan, whose cultivation base was merely Purple Mansion, would have such audacity—to dare refuse the temptation of becoming Lord of Lvteng City!

How could this be?!

Zhao Hu had not anticipated this scenario at all.

For a moment, he did not know how to respond.

At this moment, Ding Xuan slightly raised his head, observing Zhao Hu with the corner of his eye.

Seeing the man's expression shift constantly, he became even more certain something was amiss!

Thinking of this, Ding Xuan's heart turned cold.

He never expected that after serving my lord faithfully for so many years, he would meet such an end.

Then, fearing this commanding officer might lose control and slap him dead on the spot.

He hurriedly knelt down, forehead slamming against the cold stone tiles.

With a voice tinged with sobs, he spoke with utmost sincerity: "The position of Lord of Lvteng City is far too important. Ding Mou, with only a Purple Mansion cultivation base, if I were to take it, I might be less capable than even the city's own generals—then I could not command respect, and the people would grow resentful toward my lord, blaming him for unfairness."

"I fear I would betray my lord's great favor—and if I truly brought shame upon my lord, then I... I truly deserve to die!"

"Therefore, to protect my lord's reputation, please convey to my lord that he should leave this vital position for someone truly worthy. In my view, Commander, you are wise, heroic, and far surpass Ding Mou a thousandfold—you are unquestionably the better choice..."

As Ding Xuan's sincere words echoed.

Each word struck straight into Zhao Hu's heart.

His expression instantly softened.

He thought to himself: the position of Lord of Lvteng City will belong to me eventually anyway—better to assume it sooner.

As for Ding Xuan, let my lord deal with him—it has nothing to do with me.

Of course, most importantly, he remembered my lord's instructions.

He must not offend the Cangwu Jiang family at this critical moment.

After all, the White Robe Sword Marquis and Ding Xuan are "close friends"—if I act forcefully now, it would be hard to explain.

Thinking this, Zhao Hu no longer intended to torment Ding Xuan. He snorted coldly: "Hmph! What a waste of the opportunity my lord granted you—shortsighted, ungrateful fool!"

Hearing the mockery, Ding Xuan felt no anger—instead, he exhaled in relief.

Because this clearly meant he was safe.

Then, Zhao Hu lost all desire to exchange pleasantries with Ding Xuan.

He was about to leave directly, heading for Cangwu Mountain to visit the White Robe Sword Marquis.

But suddenly, he changed his mind.

Realizing that before the visit, to be extra cautious, he should first investigate the Jiang family's situation.

So he turned to Ding Xuan and ordered: "I intend to visit the Jiang family shortly—take me first to the Archives."

Ding Xuan nodded quickly: "I'll take you there right away."

He had already tampered with the archives—naturally, he had no fear of any problems arising.

Seeing Ding Xuan agree so readily, Zhao Hu did not grow suspicious.

He followed Ding Xuan to the Archives.

As soon as they entered.

Zhao Hu gazed at the mountains of documents, densely packed and coated in a layer of dust, and frowned coldly: "Where are the Jiang family's records?"

At this, Ding Xuan hurried to a bookshelf, pulled out a stack of documents covered in "dust" and made of "ancient" material, and held them in both hands.

Then he stepped quickly forward and offered the documents with both hands.

"Commander, these are all the archival records of the Jiang family since their arrival in Wudan City..."

Zhao Hu nodded and casually picked up the most recent documents, flipping through them carefully.

After reading them, he found their contents matched exactly what the messenger had reported.

Zhao Hu put down the documents and sighed: "This White Robe Sword Marquis truly has immense depth—he broke through to Purple Mansion without fanfare, and even after reaching Star Wheel, he refused to seek fame. He hid in the shadows until he broke through to Moon Wheel—only then, by annihilating the Tang family, did he shock the entire Tiandou Prefecture..."

"Yet the Tang family of Tiandou was truly cursed—merely because of a bastard's branch family, they suffered the White Robe Sword Marquis's purge. But if not for them, given his nature, he likely wouldn't have revealed himself so soon..."

The archives clearly recorded all major events of these years.

Among them was the full story of the Wudan Tang family's destruction and its connection to the fall of the Tiandou Tang family.

Listening to Zhao Hu's sigh, Ding Xuan's eyes flickered slightly as he probed: "What plans does my lord have for Jiang Daoxuan?"

Zhao Hu glanced at him coldly: "Why ask so much? Just focus on your own duties."