Chapter 96: 93 Calculations

The State Office.

A painting of a white-fronted tiger with hanging eyes covered the entire wall of the main hall of the office.

In the center of the hall, Chen Anzhi, the state governor, frowned, holding a document in his hand, his face showing hesitation.

Chen Anzhi was an official transferred from another province. He was gentle by nature, with excellent coordination skills. Since arriving in Tan Yang, he had maintained good relations with various factions.

In just ten years, he had made Tan Yang prosper.

Unfortunately… nothing can always go smoothly.

Now, all of these troublesome matters have come together at once.

The issues with the uprisings in the seven counties are yet to be resolved, and bandits are still rampant in the forests.

And now, the Chasing Moon Saber has come into play.

Chen Anzhi pinched his long beard that reached his chest, paused suddenly, and upon opening his palm, found another strand of beard had fallen into his hand.

He sighed.

“Brother Anzhi, are you still troubled by the issue with the Chasing Moon Saber?”

Outside the hall, Li Ran, the head of the penal department, walked in leisurely, carrying a jug of wine, and sat in his designated seat.

Although Li Ran was over forty now, due to his extraordinary physical constitution and abundant qi and blood, he looked just like someone in their early thirties.

His physique was robust and strong, resembling a brown bear.

“Younger brother… the matter of the Chasing Moon Saber involves many. The central, lower, and Great Capitals all have people involved. With pressure from multiple sides, it’s difficult for me to cooperate or not to cooperate,” Chen Anzhi said helplessly.

“Why do you care so much? Just do what the state supervisor does; if even he, a Spirit Person, is not worried, what are you worried about?” Li Ran said bluntly.

“You don’t know the hidden truth,” Chen Anzhi shook his head, “The Chasing Moon Saber is tied to a great secret, a secret known only to the high ranks of the Spirit People. They have kept it confidential for so many years and will not allow any mishap.”

“Heh… I understand,” Li Ran smiled, as if he had thought of something. “Those monsters among the Spirit People, right?”

“They are the cornerstone of the Spirit Court’s dominance, so they cannot permit even the slightest danger or threat,” Chen Anzhi nodded, “Therefore, if the Chasing Moon Saber leaks here…”

Li Ran fell silent.

There had been a similar incident once before.

On that occasion, the Spirit Court dispatched elite troops to besiege, with top experts from the Snow Rainbow Pavilion suppressing, completely massacring an entire city.

All 360,000 people, leaving no survivors.

Although it was an isolated incident, it demonstrated the higher-ups’ unwavering commitment to confidentiality.

“So this time, who is deliberately trying to leak information?” Li Ran asked again.

“It’s not about wanting to leak information; it’s about someone wanting Jing Ying dead. Huang Yuzhen is just a bodyguard arranged by someone else, fulfilling a promise. The real problem is Jing Ying.

She likely holds key clues to that incident from back then,” Chen Anzhi sighed.

“What about the Chasing Moon Saber then?” Li Ran frowned.

“She’s the key to Jing Ying. Others think the clues are all in the Chasing Moon Saber, but in truth, the real key is the person herself,” Chen Anzhi explained.

“I’m telling you all this so that when you handle affairs, you understand that at this moment, it’s important not to get too close; self-preservation is key. Anyone involved in this matter will find it difficult to extricate themselves later.”

Li Ran nodded in understanding.

Such upper-level power plays are the most troublesome; they are hard to see through, hard to understand, and a slight mistake can lead to total ruin.

“I’ve already ordered my subordinates not to get involved.”

“You can’t do it that way; you can avoid issuing orders, but not making any effort will also lead to dissatisfaction. The key is, as long as it’s not an order issued by you personally, isn’t it enough?” Chen Anzhi suggested.

Li Ran immediately understood.

This case requires both efforts to show that we are still taking direction,

and ensuring no leaks to keep confidentiality.

Otherwise, the entire upper echelon of Tan Yang would be in danger.

Navigating these complexities is quite troublesome.

After laying this matter to rest, the two of them chatted leisurely about other recent important matters in Tan Yang.

As they were talking excitedly,

suddenly, a messenger rushed in from outside the hall, kneeling on one knee.

“Report! There is an urgent order from the prefect!”

The messenger raised a scroll of rolled-up cloth with both hands to deliver the decree.

State Governor Chen Anzhi and Li Ran quickly stood up, walked around the desk, took the decree, and gently unrolled it.

The dense writing on it made Chen Anzhi’s expression change slightly.

“What is it?” Seeing this, Li Ran sensed something was amiss.

“It’s an urgent order from Prefect Shangguan, my mentor, ordering me to fully cooperate with Ouyang Jianrong… to put forth the necessary manpower and effort!” Chen Anzhi frowned deeply. “This Ouyang has quite the influence.”

Prefect Shangguan was his mentor; if it were anyone else, even a higher-ranking official, Chen Anzhi, as a major city official, would not necessarily heed them due to the distance from the central authority.

After all, it depends on the backing and factions.

But now, Prefect Shangguan is his backing, and the higher-ups have spoken directly.

Chen Anzhi felt trapped and could only look at Li Ran with difficulty.

“We’re in trouble.”

“At this point, we can only cooperate,” Li Ran nodded, “It’s best to hand over the authority to mobilize. This matter is delicate; regardless of success or failure, it is not beneficial for us. It’s best to transition it to another place.”

“That’s the only way.”

*

*

*

Pingya Temple.

Zhang Rongfang casually flipped through the information in his hand.

All this information was written with erasable ink, making it easy to modify and rewrite.

This was the information he had gathered corresponding to his own level.

“Can’t find anything?”

Even with his own authority, he only gathered such superficial information.

There is very little information about the Chasing Moon Saber.

However, Huang Yuzhen has surfaced.

“Unexpectedly, this Huang Yuzhen is truly extraordinary. He has mastered exceptional martial arts to the highest degree, hailing from the disciples of Lingsong Mountain. Six years ago, in a place called Xiashi County, he defeated the Wind Swordsman, Zhao Silong. His martial arts, knife skills, body technique, and hidden weapons are all at their peak. It’s highly likely he’s of Ninth Grade!”

Zhang Rongfang put down the materials in his hand, his expression agitated.

“Sir, the secrecy level of the Chasing Moon Saber is too high. Even you are unable to mobilize it. It is evident how dangerous this matter is, and it’s best for us not to get involved,” Qingsu said solemnly from behind him.

After Wuji’s death, she took over his role, managing the resources that were freed up.

Thus, she became one of the three major tyrant-level leaders of Bai Ying’s faction.

The other tyrant-level leader, Chi Xia, seemed eager to showcase himself in front of the new leader.

He stepped forward quickly and said urgently, “Sir, Huang Yuzhen’s power is extremely strong. Based on his battle achievements and evaluations, he has a strength of at least Seventh Grade or higher. His body technique is also extremely fast.”

“…Grade is just a rough estimate,” Zhang Rongfang shook his head.

“Victory and defeat depend on more than just grade.”

He looked at the two of them.

“Where is Huang Yuzhen now?”

“Outside the city, in a place called Hundred Silver Valley. This location naturally has a bewildering effect; numerical advantages cannot be utilized. It’s very suitable for hiding and concealing oneself,” Chi Xia evidently did a lot of work.

“What about the special envoy, Ouyang Jianrong?” Zhang Rongfang asked again.

“He hails from the Snow Rainbow Pavilion. His strength is also extremely formidable and cannot be measured solely by grade,” Chi Xia paused.

“The martial arts of the Snow Rainbow Pavilion are mostly top-tier, and it is said that they even have absolute techniques. If one can master just one or two moves of an absolute technique, it’s not uncommon to kill across one or two grades.

So even if your strength is unparalleled, sir, you must be extremely cautious when facing people from the Snow Rainbow Pavilion.”

“Absolute techniques… are these absolute techniques more powerful than top-tier martial arts?” Zhang Rongfang was hearing about this for the first time.

“Indeed, the conditions to cultivate absolute techniques are generally harsh, only specific individuals with the right constitution and perception can practice them. But once cultivated, their power is astonishing.

Moreover, the absolute technique is just one factor. Be wary of Ouyang Jianrong’s special equipment.” Chi Xia whispered, “Experts from the Spirit Court often carry refined equipment and concealed ultimate moves, making them extremely dangerous.”

“Understood…” Zhang Rongfang pondered secretly.

But he was more concerned about the matter of absolute techniques.

“Where are these absolute techniques generally found?”

“The Spirit Court and top major sects or gangs have them, but not many. Famous ones include Zhenyi Sect’s ’Extreme Mystic Yin Finger’ and the scholarly faction’s ’Pure Heart for Jade.’ Yet very few can master them.

These kinds of absolute martial arts, even if one masters just a half-move, it’s incredibly powerful,” Chi Xia explained.

Being in his thirties, his experience far exceeded that of Qingsu beside him.

“That’s enough…” Zhang Rongfang nodded, “You may go now.”

Chi Xia glanced at Qingsu, nodded, and said, “I take my leave.”

She turned around, lightly tapping her toe, and her figure in a light red tight outfit quickly vanished into the night.

“Sir, my subordinates have received news that the Lin family and Black Ten Sect are investigating information regarding you.”

Unlike Chi Xia, she had just taken over and had not stabilized her power base, so Zhang Rongfang did not assign her the task of gathering highly confidential intelligence.

She was only responsible for monitoring the Black Ten Sect and the Lin family.

These two forces could potentially cause trouble for him.

“Still investigating me?” Zhang Rongfang pondered for a moment, “As long as they don’t uncover anything about the Yang family, there’s no need to worry about the rest.

For now, let’s address our current issues. Regarding the issue with the Chasing Moon Saber, tell me, how can I benefit from it?”

Qingsu thought for a moment.

“I believe, sir, that you can first communicate with the Xu family to establish an agreement, and then work with Special Envoy Ouyang Jianrong to quickly capture Huang Yuzhen. Based on previous intelligence, Ouyang Jianrong has become almost obsessed with acquiring the Chasing Moon Saber.

If we can use this to negotiate, it might lead to greater benefits.”

“He is a special envoy; why would he be willing to cooperate with someone of my minor Ninth Grade status?” Zhang Rongfang raised an eyebrow.

“Then, sir, you’ll need to demonstrate your importance. If without you, the task cannot be accomplished, then the envoy will surely be willing to collaborate with you,” Qingsu said solemnly.

Zhang Rongfang nodded slightly.

The Golden Wing Pavilion’s force that can truly be mobilized consists of merely a dozen people. Although these individuals are all masters above Third Grade.

But their numbers are very few. And being situated everywhere, directly assembling them as enforcers is the least optimal method.

These are all members of the Main Building; the information they provide does not require exchange.

Meanwhile, the members of the Auxiliary Building purely provide intelligence, but such information requires the expenditure of resources and money for exchange.

The treatment between these two kinds of members is completely different.

So the best approach is to exploit the information gap for greater benefits.

“Your suggestion is good. If it succeeds, I’ll count it as a merit for you.” Zhang Rongfang agreed. “Next, keep observing the movements of the Black Ten Sect and the Lin family, as well as the Sea Dragon. Once I have some freedom, I’ll deal with them properly.”

The Black Ten Sect is a colossus spreading across the Great Spirit and must be handled carefully.

The Lin family is also linked to the Merak Palace behind them, which is the entrance of the Zhenyi Sect, and is similarly a significant power.

If they find out he is the murderer from before, then the outcome…

Zhang Rongfang understood the potential troubles involved.

That is why he was so eager to elevate his own status and power.

Only by having significant influence can such troubles be thoroughly resolved or avoided in the future.

When he wields enough power, at that time, the matters of the Black Ten Sect will not be an issue of the entire sect, but merely a personal vendetta between him and Anova.

The same goes for the Lin family.

It might even become a personal vendetta of Lin Hong.

“Alright, I’ve had little spare time these days, so, if possible, minimize my outings at night to avoid attracting attention.

If there is a need, you can hire someone to toss a paper ball into my residence. Communicate via coded messages.”

Zhang Rongfang instructed.

“Understood, sir!”

Zhang Rongfang nodded, and in a flash, his figure vanished into the night, heading back toward Tan Yang.

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