Chapter 129 The New Elite's Peeping Eyes

One of them was dressed in a bright red official robe; it was none other than Xu Changze, though his expression was currently incomparably gloomy.

The other wore a deep purple brocade robe. He was over forty, clean-shaven with a fair complexion, his hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of grace and dignity.

At first glance, he seemed quite kind and benevolent, but a closer look would reveal the sharpness and coldness hidden deep within his eyes.

"Truly impressive methods."

The official in the purple robe spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an air of authority.

"The soul-bewitching illusion set up by three fox demons with over two hundred years of cultivation would trap even an expert just entering the Heart-Awakening Realm for a while. Yet this lad was able to break the illusion and slay the demons without suffering a scratch."

"Magistrate Xu, when you reported this earlier, you didn't mention that he was this powerful."

Cold sweat beaded on Xu Changze's forehead, and he hurriedly bowed to reply.

"Reporting to you, my lord, this lad's origins are unknown, and his aptitude is said to be merely ordinary, yet his speed of Cultivation is simply appalling."

"The Demon Suppression Division's 'Taibao Horizontal Training' takes ordinary people three to five years to master the basics, and even those with good talent need over a year. Yet, within a few short days of receiving the Secret Manual, he has already reached Perfection, and his Protective Aura is incredibly dense!"

"Later, I tested him by gifting him the 'Divine Void Step' I had obtained by chance, giving him one day to learn it. But this lad... he actually mastered the footwork to Perfection right on the spot within moments, his body turning into afterimages, impossible to distinguish between real and illusory."

The man in the purple robe nodded slightly upon hearing this, his gaze still following the figure that had escaped into the night.

"According to what you say, such talent is rare, not just in a remote town like Yunmeng, but even in the Prefecture or the capital."

Xu Changze lowered his eyes, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"Yes, this lad's Heaven-Defying talent is something I have never heard of, but that is precisely why he is so dangerous."

"He is unruly, shows no respect for his superiors, is ruthless in his methods, and vindictive. I have tried to show goodwill multiple times, but not only does he not appreciate it, he has repeatedly worked against me."

"Last night at the Peony Pavilion, I intended to punish him slightly to teach him the rules of officialdom, but he..."

Xu Changze deliberately pulled at his collar, revealing a wound that had not yet fully healed.

That was the mark left by the soul-slaying blade last night.

"Look, this is the wound he left."

"I am, after all, a seventh-rank official of the imperial court. For him to be so presumptuous shows he has absolutely no regard for law or order; he is definitely not someone worth cultivating."

Xu Changze bowed deeply, tears already hanging at the corners of his eyes. While there was an element of performance, there was also some genuine fear and resentment.

"But I... I truly lack the ability to kill him. This lad's Luck is bizarre; he always manages to turn danger into safety and even gains blessings from misfortune. If he is allowed to continue growing, he will surely become a major threat."

"Now that he and I are at daggers drawn, if he is allowed to live to see the Special Envoy's inspection and expose these matters in Yunmeng, our plans and our years of hard work will likely be destroyed in one fell swoop."

"I beg you, my lord, please have mercy and find a way. We must not let this lad live past the day of the inspection."

The official in the purple robe narrowed his eyes slightly and looked up at the night sky.

The territory of Great Wu is vast with billions of living beings; Geniuses are as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river. He had seen many who became famous young and had constant fortuitous encounters.

But like Chen Mu, who in such a short time and at such an incredible speed, could push multiple vastly different martial arts to Perfection, while also possessing fierce combat records and a ruthless nature, this was truly the first time he had witnessed it with his own eyes.

In his eyes, Xu Changze's talent was only mediocre to below average; he had only climbed to his current position by relying on some underhanded methods and support from behind the scenes.

It was no surprise that he could be suppressed by Chen Mu.

But the anomaly displayed by Chen Mu had already exceeded the scope of an ordinary Genius.

If such a person could be used by me...

He glanced at Xu Changze again, a trace of imperceptible disgust flashing in his eyes.

Trash is trash. Since he is incompetent, he only thinks of killing.

"Get up, Magistrate Xu. As the head of a county, what is the point of crying and wailing? It is most unbecoming."

The official in purple's voice carried a hint of gentleness. Xu Changze was stunned and slowly stood up straight.

"You say Chen Mu is arrogant and hard to tame, with no respect for his superiors. That is because he has never met a superior who could truly make him submit, and has never seen a bargaining chip he could not refuse."

The official in purple slowly paced to the table and sat down.

"It is perfectly normal for those who are young, vigorous, and exceptionally talented to have some arrogance. The key lies in how to guide this arrogance in the right direction and turn it to one's own use."

"Killing him would certainly solve the problem once and for all, but it would also completely waste this once-in-a-millennium talent. Moreover, given the Luck and strength he has displayed, attempting to kill him in secret has too many variables, and the cost might exceed expectations."

Xu Changze's heart skipped a beat. He had already heard the subtext in the other's words.

He actually had the intention to recruit Chen Mu because he admired his talent? How could this be!

"My lord, this lad has the ambition of a wolf; he will never be content to be under anyone. I have had many dealings with him and know deeply that his nature is cold and ruthless. He is definitely not a creature to be kept in a pond. Recruiting him is no different from nursing a tiger to cause trouble."

Xu Changze said hurriedly, but was calmly interrupted by the official in purple.

"Whether it is nursing a tiger to cause trouble depends on who is nursing the tiger and what the tiger is being fed."

"Magistrate Xu, your perspective needs to be broader. Our grand cause requires all kinds of talent. A blade that can fight and kill, and possesses extraordinary talent, is indispensable."

"The only thing is, while this blade is sharp enough, the key is whose hand the hilt is in."

Having said that, he picked up his teacup and sipped, his tone brooking no argument.

"I have my own plans for this matter. You only need to do your part: clean up the loose ends in Qinglin Town and ensure the tributes are paid on time and in full."

"As for Chen Mu... before the Special Envoy's inspection is over, do not make any rash moves against him. I want to see him myself."

Xu Changze's words were stuck in his throat. He opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but seeing the other's gaze, he fell silent.

He knew that once this lord made a decision, there was absolutely no possibility of changing it. He could only lower his head, hiding the resentment in his eyes.

"Yes, I obey."

Although he said this, his heart was ice cold.

Recruit Chen Mu? Then what about me?

He and Chen Mu were already in an irreconcilable situation. If Chen Mu really joined, given that brat's nature and methods, the first person he would eliminate would be his old enemy—himself.

However...

Based on his understanding of Chen Mu, this lad's nature was tough, and he was decisive in killing. He would never submit to anyone. Trying to recruit him in the name of cherishing talent would likely result in a cold shoulder.

That is just as well.

Xu Changze lowered his eyes, murderous intent secretly growing in his heart.

If Chen Mu truly did not know what was good for him and refused this lord's recruitment, then he wouldn't need to do anything himself; someone would naturally take care of him.

As for now.

He looked up towards the direction of the villa. There, two of the three foxes were dead and one had escaped. The trap had been broken, and although the official seal had not been taken, Chen Mu must have become vigilant. The next round of the game would require even more caution.

Xu Changze straightened his official robe, suppressed the remaining panic on his face, returned to his composed and sinister Magistrate appearance, and slowly walked down the pavilion.