“Godfather, based on Duan Ling Tian’s strength, he has a good chance of ranking in the top three of the Martial Competition of the Sixteen Counties that’ll be held in one and a half years’ time,” Zhou Fei deliberately said, “Do you intend on letting him participate in the competition or are you going act immediately?” He looked at Zhou Tong intently, trying to gauge Zhou Tong’s response.
Zhou Tong scoffed. His eyes flashed with a vicious light, and a dark expression could be seen on his face. “Naturally, I’ll act immediately.” He did not understand why King Qing’s Mansion placed such great importance on the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties that they were even planning to give away Great Overarching Pills. If Duan Ling Tian managed to rank in the top three of the competition, he would be able to obtain those pills, and there was no doubt King Qing’s Mansion would regard Duan Ling Tian highly. At that time, obtaining Duan Ling Tian’s heaven-grade Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities would be extremely difficult.
Zhou Tong had already weighed the upside and downside of his decision. Although the chances were high, there was no guarantee that Duan Ling Tian would rank in the top three of the competition and obtain the Great Overarching Pills. However, he was certain he would be able to force Duan Ling Tian to give up his Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities.
Upon hearing Zhou Tong’s determined tone, Zhou Fei’s eyes brightened. He said ingratiatingly, “Godfather, you’re truly wise. If Duan Ling Tian is allowed to participate in the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties, it’ll be harder for us to make a move at that time.” This was the exact outcome that he wanted. He thought to himself, ‘Duan Ling Tian, the Great Overarching Pills aren’t as attractive as your Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities. After all, it’s not certain you’ll be able to obtain the pills. Once godfather obtains your Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities, he’ll definitely kill you.’
After a moment, Zhou Fei said, “Godfather, Lord County Governor values Duan Ling Tian a lot now. If we were to act against him in the estate, I’m afraid it’ll be difficult. Moreover, if we act in the estate, there’s a chance of Lord County Governor finding out about the heaven-grade Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities. It’s fine if he’s willing to share the Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities with you. However, if he insists on Duan Ling Tian participating in the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties, I’m afraid you’ll lose your chance to obtain the Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities.”
Zhou Fei continued saying, “Moreover, once he participates in the competition, if he performs well, King Qing’s Mansion will definitely take notice of him. At that time, not even Lord City Governor would be able to do anything even if he wanted the Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities.” He continued to fan the fire. “If Liu Feng Gu really nurtured Duan Ling Tian to get back at you, based on Duan Ling Tian’s talent and his Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities, I’m afraid he’d be a threat to you in the future if he receives the care from King Qing’s Mansion.”
Upon hearing Zhou Fei’s words, Zhou Tong nodded in satisfaction. “Fei’er, you’re quite insightful.” His eyes flashed coldly as he said, “I’ll think of a way to lure Duan Ling Tian out of the County Governor’s estate. Once he leaves the estate, even Lord County Governor wouldn’t be able to help him. At that time, I’ll force him to reveal the heaven-grade Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities.”
…
Bloody Specter City.
Liu Feng Gu was, naturally, unhappy about the recent incident in the Silverwyrm Army’s camp. Apart from a few soldiers who were out on missions, the soldiers, the miners in the Celestial Stone mine, and the newly ascended celestials were all killed.
Inside the great hall of the City Governor’s estate.
Liu Feng Gu was seated on the main seat while Chen Xuan Ba, the Commander of the Black Dragon Army, was seated below.
Liu Feng Gu asked grimly, “Xuan Ba, what do you think about the recent incident?” Although his cultivation base granted him a better physique, it could be seen that he was visibly exhausted from his long investigation of the incident. His eyes were bloodshot.
“Initially, I thought the Silverwyrm Army might have offended someone. However, the more I thought about it, the more it doesn’t add up. If Miao Lai Long provoked someone who strong enough to kill him, that someone should’ve looked for you to have a word with you. After all, you’re not only Miao Lai Long’s superior, but you’re also the City Governor of Bloody Specter City,” Chen Xuan Ba replied. After a moment, he seemed to recall something so he asked, “Lord City Governor, didn’t Miao Lai Long carry a Floating Image Celestial Talisman?”
“When he died, the Major Floating Image Celestial Talisman didn’t receive the recording from his Minor Floating Image Celestial Talisman,” Liu Feng Gu said.
Upon hearing Liu Feng Gu’s words, Chen Xuan Ba inhaled sharply. “Then… Does this mean a Great Overarching Golden Celestial killed Miao Lai Long?”
Liu Feng Gu answered confidently, “That’s highly likely…”
“How or when did the Silverwyrm Army offend a Great Overarching Golden Celestial? If a Great Overarching Golden Celestial was here, it would be impossible for him not to visit the City Governor, right?” Chen Xuan Ba muttered to himself skeptically.
“Perhaps, there’s more than meets the eyes,” Liu Feng Gu said gravely.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew into the hall.
“Lord City Governor.” An ancient voice rang in the air at this moment. Following that, an old man appeared in the great hall, cupping his fists at Liu Feng Gu.
Upon seeing the old man, Chen Xuan Ba quickly rose to his feet and respectfully greeted the old man, “Elder Hong.” Although he was the Commander of the Black Dragon Army, he did not dare to be negligent or disrespectful to this old man. Not only did this old man have a good relationship with Liu Feng Gu, but the old man was also the head of the Golden Serpent Guards and the second strongest person in Blood Specter City.
“Elder Hong, any success?” Liu Feng Gu asked with a hint of anticipation.
Elder Hong nodded slightly before he said, “Lord City Governor, there were two unknown visitors who came to Bloody Specter City recently. These two individuals came from the County Governor’s estate in the County City of Nine Specters County!”
“Two individuals from the County Governor’s estate?” Liu Feng Gu widened his eyes in shock. He asked grimly, “Who were they?” At the same time, Zhou Tong appeared in his mind. After all, Zhou Tong was one of the two Great Overarching Golden Celestials in Nine Specter County.
Liu Feng Gu and Chen Xuan Ba looked at Elder Hong, riveted, as Elder Hong replied, “Among the two individuals, one of them is an inner-estate elder called Qian Ping An. As for the other person, he’s Zhou Fei, the godson of Zhou Tong, the first Revered Elder of Nine Specters County. About one and a half years ago, Duan Ling Tian had severed all four of Zhou Fei’s limbs!” After a moment, he said, “Qian Ping An is Zhou Tong’s subordinate, and Zhou Fei is Zhou Tong’s godson… Is it a coincidence that the Silverwyrm Army was annihilated?”
Liu Feng Gu mulled over Elder Hong’s words for a moment before his expression changed dramatically.
“Lord City Governor…” Chen Xuan Ba was quite curious. What did Liu Feng Gu think of that his expression turned so unsightly?
Alas, Liu Feng Gu waved his hand dismissively and said, “Xuan Ba, you may take your leave. I’ve figured out what happened so there’s no need for you to continue your investigation. I’ll explain the matter to you another time. I have to speak to Elder Hong privately now.”
Despite his curiosity, Chen Xuan Ba did not protest and swiftly left the great hall. “Yes, Lord City Governor.”
Once Chen Xuan Ba left, Liu Feng Gu said in a grave tone, “Elder Hong, if I’m not mistaken, Zhou Tong must have discovered that Duan Ling Tian is a Heavenly Celestial who had just ascended to the Spirit Overarching Heaven two years ago. Moreover, he must have found out about Duan Ling Tian’s extraordinary Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities. Based on his greedy nature, there’s no doubt that he covets Duan Ling Tian’s Celestial Methods and Divine Abilities. Otherwise, there’s no need for him to take such a drastic measure to make sure nobody from the Silverwyrm Army would be able to leak this news.” After putting the puzzles together, it was not difficult for him to guess that the culprit was Zhou Tong.
Elder Hong asked, “Governor, if it was Zhou Tong, why didn’t he come to look for trouble with you?”
“Zhou Tong is a petty and conceited person. I’m afraid he’s already discovered I sent Duan Ling Tian to deal with him… Based on his character, after he deals with Duan Ling Tian, he’ll definitely come and look for me!” Based on Liu Feng Gu’s words, it seemed like he knew Zhou Tong quite well.
