"Let me ask a question first," Chen Yi spoke unhurriedly, "Does the County Magistrate visit Clear Breeze Hall often?"

Jiang Shangli glanced cautiously at Lu Ying, noticing she had made a divination gesture, and replied truthfully, "Once or twice a month, usually to host banquets for distinguished guests, to build connections with colleagues."

"Seems like he doesn't interact much with Lifeng Pavilion."

"True, it's purely about receiving guests, and the Oiran isn't even touched." Jiang Shangli paused before adding, "Does Lord Long not trust Lifeng Pavilion?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here talking to you."

Chen Yi continued speaking leisurely, playing the role of Lonely Smoke Sword.

Regarding the matter of Lonely Smoke Sword, having spent some time in the city, he naturally caught wind of it. Piecing together his observations, he had outlined the situation: this individual was currently hiding and evading capture in Shantong City—publicly hunted by Tang Ze, the Sect Leader of Kunlun Sect, while secretly pursued by Xique Pavilion. Meanwhile, Lifeng Pavilion aided in concealing Lonely Smoke Sword's whereabouts.

As an outsider with unclear origins, Chen Yi found himself well-suited at this moment to play the role of Lonely Smoke Sword in Jiang Shangli's eyes.

Chen Yi mused, "Lifeng Pavilion deals in the business of taking heads. How do I know they won't take my head? And how does Magistrate Jiang know they wouldn't take yours?"

Jiang Shangli pondered briefly, recalling the fervent, eager, and expectant expressions of the Lifeng Pavilion members when he handed over the Xique Pavilion token.

It wouldn't be surprising if Lifeng Pavilion were secretly plotting to sell Lonely Smoke Sword to Xique Pavilion after he leaves the city.

In doing so, they would neither tarnish their reputation nor miss the opportunity to leverage their relationship with Xique Pavilion. As for him, the County Magistrate, he could not be certain he wouldn't become collateral damage in the process.

Still, Jiang Shangli couldn't find any flaws in Chen Yi's argument, so he refrained from making an immediate decision, saying, "What you say is quite reasonable. So, what's Lord Long's plan?"

Chen Yi, however, smiled faintly and replied, "In that case, what's Magistrate Jiang's plan?"

Jiang Shangli sized up the young man carrying both sword and blade on his back, silently noting his cunning.

"My plan is to first leave Clear Breeze Hall safely and arrange matters further with Lord Long afterward."

Jiang Shangli's response was impeccable.

Yet he understood that a flawless response is often not the one people want to hear.

"Are you playing dumb?"

Jiang Shangli replied, "Doesn't that depend on Lord Long setting the terms?"

"What if my plan is to annihilate Lifeng Pavilion and leave no traces behind?"

Jiang Shangli's gaze sharpened, and his sleeve trembled slightly.

He saw Chen Yi standing there cold and unmoving, his face emotionless.

Lifeng Pavilion, while a mercenary organization, had still extended aid by concealing Lonely Smoke Sword's location for this long. Yet now, Chen Yi had spoken of betrayal as casually as one might turn a hand, minimizing the risk of being backstabbed.

Such… ruthless decisiveness.

Jiang Shangli couldn't decide for a moment and said, "Then shall we discuss this later?"

Chen Yi replied languidly, "No need for 'later.' How about tonight?"

Jiang Shangli solemnly responded, "Clear Breeze Hall is Lifeng Pavilion's stronghold, laden with hidden weapons, traps, and concealed swords beyond count. While Lord Long might be unafraid of death, I happen to fear it. It's better to return and deliberate further from a distance."

Chen Yi replied indifferently, "Fine."

Jiang Shangli chuckled, "Then it's agreed?"

"Let's swear an irreversible Heart Demon vow first," Chen Yi raised his hand slightly, "Our conversation must not be leaked, and it just so happens I have a Taoist from Yin Sword Mountain with me."

Lu Ying raised her face. From the banquet earlier to their current spot, she had remained quiet due to the turbulent and unpredictable situation, standing like a wooden figure. Now, finally, it was her moment to shine.

Jiang Shangli's expression stiffened, quelling many thoughts.

In Jianghu, those who made names for themselves,

truly were not to be trifled with.

......

Heart Demon vows originated as binding magic among those in the mountains, but for Martial Artists below the mountains, they held equally effective force.

Especially for fifth-grade Martial Artists and higher.

If violated, the Heart Demon would rise—at worst, one would never again grasp martial intent, remaining stagnant for life; at worst, they would succumb to madness and die violently.

Restraining Jiang Shangli with a Heart Demon vow, coupled with his apprehension of Lu Ying's status as the lead disciple of Sword Armor, would make it easy for Chen Yi to walk out of Clear Breeze Hall unharmed.

Yet it was easier to guard against open attacks than hidden arrows.

While Jiang Shangli currently appeared to side with him, his foundation was unsteady, and he certainly wouldn't openly challenge Lifeng Pavilion.

Furthermore, Lifeng Pavilion wouldn't let him leave easily—if they couldn't plot against him openly, they'd surely seek covert means to attempt it.

Not long after, Jiang Shangli was led to another guest room, supposedly for a more enticing offer of beauty.

Chen Yi stretched his body and turned slightly, catching Lu Ying's somewhat worried gaze.

Lu Ying lowered her voice and asked, "You… you're not afraid?"

"Afraid? Why would I be afraid?" Chen Yi chuckled, "If it weren't for you, I'd have killed them all already."

Though his words suggested she had held him back—and they were true—Lu Ying couldn't help but feel slightly displeased.

Still, she didn't dwell on the sentiment, instead focusing on her concern, "That Magistrate Jiang doesn't seem very trustworthy."

"I know."

"Then why cooperate with him?"

"To avoid unnecessary complications," Chen Yi paused before explaining, "At least for tonight, he'll still be trustworthy."

Lu Ying mulled it over briefly, admitting it had some logic, then followed up with another question:

"So, you'll keep working with him after this?"

"For what it's worth, the county government's funds are severely lacking. That makes him a rather dutiful County Magistrate."

"A dutiful County Magistrate?"

"Isn't he? He's exhaustively trying to generate revenue and cut expenses while maintaining peace in the county." Lu Ying commented.

"Do you remember? He visits the Clear Breeze Hall once or twice a month."

Within his line of sight, the guest rooms of Clear Breeze Hall featured jade dishes and silver basins. From outside came faint strains of theatrical music played by performers, indicating the wealth and prestige of its patrons.

Chen Yi sneered coldly:

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