Chapter 392: Chaos Begins

It felt as if the momentary feat of spanning miles in an instant, gazing down from high above, and casting a spell with a flick of the fingers had been nothing but an illusion.

But the faintly surging blood and qi within his body, and the clear images still vivid in his mind, told him everything had truly happened.

"Voice-Transmission Pill… so that's how it works."

Chen Mu's thoughts shifted, and he gained a clearer understanding of Du Weilong's scheme.

"Chen Xuncha."

Du Weilong's voice pulled his thoughts back.

At this moment, Du Weilong's face had regained its usual calm composure, yet deep in his eyes lay a cold, sharp edge: "You handled this matter well—swift reaction, thorough investigation, timely report."

"Had you not stumbled upon this tonight, we might not have realized anything until the Mo Sect caused a major uproar within the city—by then, the losses would have been incalculable."

"Your Excellency overstates my merits; this is merely my duty as an official—I dare not claim credit." Chen Mu bowed deeply, his manner respectful.

Du Weilong's personal affirmation carried immense weight.

"The role of Xuncha is precisely to oversee internal affairs and root out corrupt elements. You have fulfilled this duty to the fullest."

Du Weilong nodded slightly, his tone turning solemn: "However, Chen Xuncha, I already have a plan regarding the conspiracy of Xiao Xinming, Liu Qihua, and others."

"Rushing to arrest them now might flush them out, but the 'Helmsman' lurking in the shadows, other moles, and the Mo Sect reinforcements they await will retreat into hiding—becoming an even greater threat."

His gaze pierced like lightning toward Chen Mu: "I need you to hold your ground for now—do not expose them. In fact, when necessary, you may even cooperate with them to stage a performance, to lull them into complacency."

"I will wait—wait for their conspiracy to mature further, wait for the so-called 'Helmsman' to reveal himself, wait for more ghosts and goblins to leap out on their own!"

"Then, with the force of Lei Ting, we will net them all—and eradicate the threat forever!"

Chen Mu's spirit trembled—he instantly understood Du Weilong's intent.

Lure the big fish with a long line!

This was undoubtedly the most prudent strategy, the one most capable of resolving the issue at its root—but it also meant greater risk and a far more complex situation.

"I understand! I humbly obey my lord's command!"

Chen Mu did not hesitate—he immediately bowed and accepted the order.

Du Weilong revealing this to him was both a sign of trust and a means of drawing him into this "fishing" plan.

As the one who discovered the plot and as a Xuncha, he was indeed one of the most suitable candidates.

"Good. You understand the gravity. This matter is top secret—until further notice, do not reveal it to a third soul."

Du Weilong added one more instruction, then waved his hand: "If there is nothing else, return to rest. Stay alert—stand by at all times."

"Yes! Your servant takes his leave!"

Chen Mu bowed once more, then turned and walked away swiftly.

…

On his way back to Huaihua Alley, Chen Mu's thoughts churned.

The news that Xiao Xinming and Liu Qihua had conspired with the Mo Sect to overthrow Yuandragon City would ignite a massive uproar if it spread.

And Du Weilong chose to hold back, to turn their plot against them and net them all…

It was foreseeable: in the coming days, Yuandragon City might outwardly maintain its wartime calm, but beneath the surface, chaos and peril would surge like stormy waves!

This place would soon become unstable.

When he returned to Cheng's Restaurant, it was deep into the second half of the night.

Chen Mu did not disturb Cheng Yong's family—he slipped quietly into his room, sat cross-legged, yet felt no sleepiness at all.

He regulated his breath, organized the events of the night, and remained alert to any disturbance around him.

The next day, Chen Mu told Long Tuti early on that the city was about to change, and they must leave as soon as possible.

Though Long Tuti was reluctant and worried about her second brother, seeing Chen Mu's Grave Demeanor, she knew the matter was serious and asked no further questions—only silently hoped her second brother would arrive soon.

The anxious wait lasted until the morning hour of Si.

The tightly shut door of the restaurant was finally knocked upon in a rhythmic pattern.

Cheng Yong peered cautiously through the crack, then his face lit up with ecstatic joy—he hurriedly opened the door.

Outside stood a young man, dusty from travel but upright and tall, with a handsome face marked by quiet determination, around twenty-three or twenty-four years old.

It was Long Family's Second Young Master, Long Fengfei!

Though weary and with bloodshot eyes, his spirit remained strong, his qi steady—clearly his injuries were no longer serious.

"Second brother!"

Long Tuti, who had been waiting behind the door, rushed forward like a fledgling bird returning to its nest, clinging tightly to Long Fengfei, her voice trembling with tears.

"Tuti! You're safe—thank heaven!"

Long Fengfei was equally moved, embracing his sister tightly, scanning her from head to toe, and only when he confirmed she was unharmed did he exhale in relief, a smile of utter relief spreading across his face.

The reunion of brother and sister was filled with emotion and joy.

Then Long Tuti introduced Chen Mu to Long Fengfei: "Second brother, it was Old Chen who saved me! If not for him, I might still be trapped in the hands of the Mo Sect!"

Upon hearing this, Long Fengfei immediately turned to Chen Mu, bowed deeply with both hands clasped in a formal salute.

"Chen Xuncha, your kindness cannot be repaid in words—I, Fengfei, will forever remember this debt! Should you ever need anything, I, Long Fengfei, will lay down my life without hesitation!"

He had clearly heard of Chen Mu's reputation—his tone was respectful and sincere.

"Young Master, you're too kind. Tuti once helped me—saving her was only right."

Chen Mu quickly reached out to gently hold him up, his voice calm.

After brief pleasantries, Chen Mu cut straight to the point, his expression grave: "Young Master, this place is no longer safe. Your reunion is a blessing, but you must leave Yuandragon City immediately—preferably take Cheng Yong's family with you, and stay away for a while, to avoid the storm."

Long Fengfei froze, his face filled with astonishment: "Brother Chen, what do you mean? Has something happened in the city?"

Chen Mu shook his head—he could not reveal classified details, only spoke gravely: "I cannot explain the full reason. But trust me, the city will soon become extremely dangerous—there will be great war and chaos. Leaving as soon as possible is your best course."

Long Fengfei looked into Chen Mu's serious, sincere eyes, and recalled Chen Mu's status and strength—he was no man to speak recklessly.

After a moment of silence, he nodded decisively: "Fine! If you say so, Brother Chen, there must be good reason. We'll pack up and leave the city at once!"

He asked no more, immediately summoning Cheng Yong to pack lightly with essentials.

Though the Cheng family had lived here for generations, they were utterly loyal to the Long family; upon Long Fengfei's order, they raised no objection and set to work at once.

Long Tuti ran over to Chen Mu, tugging his sleeve, looking up with a small face full of reluctance and worry.

"Old Chen, aren't you coming with us?"

Chen Mu felt a warmth in his heart, stroked her little head, and said gently, "Tuti, be good—go back with Second Brother, stay safe at home. I'm on duty now; I can't leave just yet."

After a pause, seeing Tuti's anxious eyes, he added with a smile, "Don't worry—my current strength is more than enough to protect myself. Once things here are settled, I'll come see you if I get the chance."

Long Tuti knew Chen Mu's decisions were hard to change; she nodded reluctantly, "Then you must be careful!"

"I will." Chen Mu smiled in assent.

Soon, the Cheng family finished packing, taking enough rations, clear water, and simple clothing for half a month.

Long Fengfei somehow acquired a carriage that looked ordinary but was quite sturdy.

Without further delay, they bid farewell to Chen Mu, climbed into the carriage, and hurried away from Huaihua Alley toward the city gate.

Chen Mu stood at the entrance of the restaurant, watching the carriage vanish around the corner, his heart slightly eased.

Immediately, he turned back inside, closed the big door, and waited for Du Wei's orders.

……

On the third night after Long Tuti and the others left Yuansheng City.

Just after midnight, all was silent—even the night watchman's wooden clappers sounded unusually long.

Suddenly—

"Boom—!"

"Enemy attack—!"

"Kill them~!"

East, south, west, north—at the four great city gates of Yuansheng City—deafening roars, shrill alarms, and thunderous battle cries erupted nearly simultaneously.

Blazing fires shot into the sky, staining the night over all four directions red; the clashing of weapons, explosions of Qi, screams, and roars…

Like boiling water, they shattered the silence of this ancient, mighty city in an instant!