Chapter 233: Chapter 135: Old Matters of the Profound Carp Association

After returning to his residence, Yang Jing took out the Governor’s Order and examined it carefully.

The Governor’s Order was made of Profound Gold. One side was engraved with “Northern Army Governor’s Order,” and the other with a Yellow Dragon Aspect. A Restriction was placed within it to prevent forgery. This order held immense authority, capable of temporarily requisitioning a Flying Boat. Canyuan True Monarch would never have given this Token to anyone he didn’t trust implicitly.

Zuoqiu Feng and Guo Chuanzhi had been waiting in the residence for some time, but Yang Jing was still mulling over the matter of the Seven Nations Ticket Shop and failed to notice the subtle changes in their expressions.

Guo Chuanzhi recognized the Governor’s Order in Yang Jing’s hand at a glance. As a Conformist Official in the General Affairs Hall of the Five Elements True Spirit Sect, he naturally knew the weight this order carried.

His eyes widened. He hadn’t expected the Governor to think so highly of Yang Jing as to give him the Governor’s Order after just one meeting.

The three of them chatted for a while. After some hesitation, Guo Chuanzhi told Yang Jing that the Profound Carp Association might be a secret enterprise of the Zuoqiu Family.

“So that’s how it is. The year I joined the Five Elements True Spirit Sect was right when the Profound Carp Association case broke. We disciples from the Chen Kingdom were assisting the Taixu Sword Sect’s Demon Slaying Hall in capturing the culprits, so we missed the Sect’s initiation ceremony.”

Yang Jing looked utterly shocked.

A dark glint flashed in his eyes. ’No wonder Zuoqiu Ye was so confident when he led the Demon Suppression Army in the future. He refused to retreat or set up defenses, which led to the Demon army taking Wuwei Pass in a single battle, and he himself ended up decapitated.’

’That ambitious but incompetent fool probably believed the Demons’ promises, truly thinking their army would spare Wuwei Pass, the very place he was supposed to guard. He might have even sold out intelligence on the other five passes. He was completely ignorant that the art of war is a matter of vital importance to the state, a matter of life and death, a road to either survival or ruin. It must be studied with the utmost gravity.’

’Truly, an incompetent general is the death of his army.’

“This is a great scandal for our Five Elements True Spirit Sect. If it gets out, it could even shake the Sect’s standing. Ever since I found out, I’ve been on pins and needles. I must return to the Sect as quickly as possible, report this to my master’s lineage in secret, and investigate this covertly to clean house.”

Guo Chuanzhi said with a bitter smile.

“Junior Martial Uncle Zuoqiu is trustworthy. You must be extremely careful in the Northern Domain, Junior Martial Brother. Protect yourself.”

“Senior Martial Brother, this is a grave matter. You must confirm the reliability of your source. Smuggling Spirit Pills to Demons is incredibly profitable, but the criminal network for such an operation must be extensive—the source of the Spirit Medicines, the Alchemists, the transport routes for the Elixirs. Yet, the Zuoqiu Family has managed it so secretively that not a single piece of information has leaked, not even to your master’s lineage which directly opposes them. The waters here run very deep.”

Yang Jing said meaningfully after a moment’s hesitation.

Guo Chuanzhi froze for a second, then his pupils shrank as a thought struck him.

“I understand your warning, Junior Martial Brother. Rest assured. I’ve cultivated for many years; I’m not some reckless youth.”

“Senior Martial Brother, we should put this matter aside for now and consider it carefully over the long term.”

Yang Jing couldn’t help but say.

“Junior Martial Brother, I know your concerns, but the Sect has nurtured its disciples for eighty years. How can I stand by and watch these parasites harm the Sect?”

After speaking, Guo Chuanzhi bowed to Yang Jing and turned to leave.

“Senior Martial Brother! Beware of the Golden Core Cultivators in your master’s lineage whose lifespans are nearing their end!”

Yang Jing shouted at his departing figure. Seeing Guo Chuanzhi wave his hand in acknowledgment without turning back, a sense of dejection washed over him.

’My Cultivation is still too low, my authority still too little.’

“You seem very worried about Guo Chuanzhi.”

Zuoqiu Feng was leaning on the stone table in the courtyard, her phoenix-like eyes looking up curiously at Yang Jing.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t get involved in this matter at all before reaching Nascent Soul Formation.”

Yang Jing let out a slow breath and said,

“The Hall Master of the Taixu Sword Sect’s Demon Slaying Hall is number one among the Nascent Soul Cultivators of the Six Sects, whether in terms of Cultivation, authority, or Power. He personally ordered a thorough investigation into the Profound Carp Association case, yet he could only uncover a few minor figures with Foundation Establishment Cultivation. Among our Six Sects, is True Monarch Zuoqiu Hui really the only Nascent Soul Cultivator whose lifespan is about to end?”

The Demon Slaying Hall wasn’t to be trifled with, after all. Yang Jing guessed that the Hall Master might already have a list of suspects. All they had to do was investigate the Nascent Soul Cultivators who were near the end of their lifespans but suddenly managed to extend them.

It was just that the cost of moving against a Nascent Soul Cultivator was simply too great. Besides, these Nascent Soul Cultivators were merely afraid of death; they didn’t truly want to cooperate with Demons and shake the rule of the Six Sects.

But that’s how things were in the world. A small compromise here, a small compromise there, and the entire situation would rot.

Yang Jing could even understand why the Demon Slaying Hall would let the Alchemists who supplied the Profound Carp Association with Elixirs go. Firstly, it was difficult to train a Pill Master. Secondly, it was a matter of face. Letting the main culprits roam free while only punishing some low-level lackeys was not the style of Sword Cultivators.

’When wolves block the road, why bother with the foxes?’

Zuoqiu Feng’s body stiffened. A wave of fear washed over her. It was a good thing she only had her suspicions and hadn’t actually investigated anything.

’These waters were too deep. An Early Stage Golden Core Cultivator like her could never handle it.’

“Between life and death lies great terror. How many people can face it with indifference, let alone High Tier Cultivators with their long lifespans?”

Yang Jing said calmly.

“You little rascal. You’re not old, but you speak like an old man. And Guo Chuanzhi is no ordinary person either. He was the illegitimate son of a minor family, and despite his mediocre talent, he overcame all obstacles to become a True Disciple and enter the General Affairs Hall. How could he not have a few tricks up his sleeve?”

Zuoqiu Feng said, consoling Yang Jing.

Her fair fingers pinched a Jade Scroll, which she passed to Yang Jing.

“This is the complete Black Death Seven Tribulations Scripture. It’s enough to cultivate all the way to the Nascent Soul Realm. Consider it my gift to Chi Yu.”

Yang Jing quickly took the Jade Scroll and put it away.

“Many thanks for the gift, Junior Martial Uncle Zuoqiu.”

Zuoqiu Feng hadn’t expected Yang Jing’s mood to shift so quickly; she was a bit taken aback.

“Junior Martial Uncle, if I were you, I’d move some Spirit Stones over here and stock up. There will be a big return on them in the future.”

After speaking, Yang Jing headed for the Quiet Chamber to cultivate.

Zuoqiu Feng raised an eyebrow and looked at Yang Jing.

“Is something big about to happen at the Northern Army Governor’s Mansion?”

Yang Jing, his back to her, waved his hand.

“This is a secret of the Governor’s Mansion. Forgive me, but I can’t say any more.”

Zuoqiu Feng rolled her eyes at him, then rose from the stone chair. Her light gauze dress blossomed like a flower. She decided to go play with Chi Yu for a bit.

That very night, someone came to visit Yang Jing in secret.

Iron Head picked up the Communication Talisman that was hovering restlessly behind the door and presented it to Yang Jing.

Yang Jing took one look at the Communication Talisman and said with a smile,

“These people certainly have a sharp nose for opportunity. They won’t miss any chance to earn Spirit Stones.”

He had Iron Head welcome the person into the residence. The visitor was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, with a fair complexion and a meticulously groomed mustache. He looked like someone who lived a pampered life.

And judging by his aura, he was actually a Golden Core Cultivator.

“Minister Yang, I am Li Xishan, humbly serving as the Shopkeeper of the Celestial Treasure Tower’s Seven Kingdoms General Tower.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep