Chapter 158 A Temporary Delay

"Surviving, becoming stronger, and taking control of your own destiny—that is the only thing that matters."

Xu Changze's words struck home, nearly piercing through Chen Mu's usual line of rational defense.

He was right; in this world, where was there any pure black or white?

The Demon Suppression Division was the imperial court's claw, yet it harbored filth and corruption. The City God was supposed to protect the region, but had devolved into an evil god. Even the County Magistrate before him could steal the Power Of Will from the people while speaking grandly of Legal Tradition and dignity.

Currently, Xu Changze's aura was as solid as a mountain, whereas he himself had fought consecutive battles last night. Though he appeared formidable, he was actually at the end of his rope.

Even if he wanted to fight to the death, he had no certainty of victory. If Xu Changze truly disregarded everything and utilized the stolen Power Of Will and the power of the official seal, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Chen Mu quickly weighed the pros and cons in his heart.

Perhaps he should... play along? He could use Xu Changze's resources to recover from his injuries and even investigate the secrets of that Power Of Will cultivation method. Once his strength was restored, or even if he advanced further, he could plan his next move.

Chen Mu's expression shifted uncertainly, his grip on the soul-slaying blade tightening and loosening repeatedly.

Xu Changze waited patiently, the smile never fading from his face. His eyes were sharp, fixed on every subtle change in Chen Mu.

He saw the flash of hesitation in Chen Mu's eyes and the slight trembling of the back of his hand from exertion. That wasn't fear, but an instinctive reaction to a violent internal conflict.

He knew his words had struck a nerve.

Even the sharpest blade needs a scabbard and someone to wield it.

Chen Mu was a blade that was far too arrogant; ordinary scabbards and masters were unworthy of him and would instead be cut by him. But he was different. He held the hearts of the people, he held the Legal Tradition, and he even had some secret support from above that could not be spoken of.

He was qualified and capable of wielding this blade.

Time trickled by. Finally, Chen Mu looked up. The struggle in his eyes hadn't completely vanished, but something else seemed to have been added.

"What Lord Xu says is indeed tempting."

A golden light flashed in Xu Changze's eyes, and the smile at the corners of his mouth deepened. Just as he was about to speak, Chen Mu changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of exhaustion and helplessness.

"It's just that... this is a grave matter. The incident with Nie Feng is still fresh, and the Prefecture's attitude is unclear. Chief Qi and I... still need time to consider."

He didn't refuse outright, nor did he agree immediately; instead, he gave a vague response.

The smile on Xu Changze's face remained unchanged, but his mind raced through a hundred thoughts.

He could see that Chen Mu wasn't entirely convinced—that hesitation was real—but the word 'consider' also meant there was room for negotiation.

Perhaps this was the most typical reaction someone like Chen Mu—proud yet pragmatic—could give when faced with immense temptation and realistic pressure.

Unwilling to bow his head easily, yet unable to flatly discard a potential Opportunity.

"Haha, I understand, I understand."

Xu Changze laughed heartily, seemingly not minding at all.

"I also know that asking you to set aside past grievances is asking the impossible. What I want is not a submissive servant, but a partner who can plot great things together."

"Chief Chen, Officer Qi, you may take your time to consider. Although Yunmeng is small, it can accommodate heroes seeking temporary shelter."

His words were full of passion, as if the previous life-and-death coercion and threats had never happened. However, he immediately changed his tone.

"It's just that time waits for no one. On Wen Jingxing's side, I will naturally find a way to mediate, but it's hard to say how much time I can buy."

"I hope you two do not consider for too long and miss our mutual Opportunity."

After saying this, he straightened the slightly messy sleeves of his official robes and gave them a slight nod. He spoke no more and turned toward the stairs.

Only when the sound of Xu Changze's footsteps vanished did Qi Huan suddenly exhale a breath of turbid air. His expression was extremely ugly, carrying the exhaustion of a survivor and a deep sense of frustration and powerlessness.

"Chen Mu, you... are you really considering his nonsense?"

Chen Mu didn't answer immediately, slowly sheathing his soul-slaying blade. Seeing him like this, Qi Huan couldn't help but speak again.

"Chen Mu, Xu Changze is not to be trusted."

"I know."

Chen Mu's answer was brief and calm.

"That Power Of Will method sounds profound, but it's actually wicked. Stealing the resentment of the people and consuming human blood—how is such conduct any different from a demon?"

"I know."

"If we follow him, we'll be helping a tyrant and will eventually be doomed beyond redemption."

"I know."

Three consecutive 'I knows' in a calm tone made Qi Huan feel even more uneasy.

He knew Chen Mu understood everything, but because of that, Chen Mu's current silence was even more unnerving.

After a long while, Chen Mu finally spoke again.

"Chief Qi, let's go back first."

Qi Huan opened his mouth to speak but ended up just nodding. Supporting each other, the two walked down from Zuixian Tower.

...

Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard study of the County Magistrate's residence.

The heavy door was tightly shut, and two guards with disciplined auras stood silently outside.

Xu Changze leaned against the door. The composed and dignified smile on his face had long since vanished, replaced by a ghastly pallor.

His lips were tightly pressed together, and the muscles in his cheeks spasmed uncontrollably.

*Pfft!*

Finally unable to suppress it any longer, he bent over abruptly and spat out a mouthful of stagnant blood, which splattered onto the brick floor.

He staggered, supporting himself with one hand on the edge of the red sandalwood desk to keep from falling. Veins bulged on his forehead, cold sweat poured down, and his sideburns were slightly damp.

"Chen... Mu..."

He growled the name through gritted teeth, his tone filled with malice and alarm.

The results of tonight's testing far exceeded his expectations.

He originally thought that by combining his initially refined, mixed Power Of Will with the official seal, it would be enough to firmly suppress Chen Mu and Qi Huan after their series of battles. He had even prepared to strike like thunder after showing his strength to keep the two there permanently.

After all, if he could capture or kill Chen Mu and devour his blood and Divine Soul, it would be of immense benefit for stabilizing his Power Of Will and healing his old injuries.

However, at the last moment, the condensed aura faintly emanating from Chen Mu's body—which made his Divine Soul sting—caused him to change his mind instantly.

That wasn't a simple Protective Aura or killing intent, but something more fundamental, a power closer to a certain Dao, completely different from the external Power Of Will he had stolen.

This kid had actually achieved another Breakthrough under the pressure of life and death?! Or had he touched upon some profound Realm that he couldn't understand?

This realization made Xu Changze feel a chill. He really wasn't certain he could keep Chen Mu there without resorting to more drastic measures.

And once he used those trump cards, the commotion would be too great and the price more than he could currently bear. More importantly, his new and old injuries had already begun to backlash under the stimulation of the Power Of Will just now.

"Damn it! If not for that useless Nie Feng, if not for the City God dying too quickly..."

Xu Changze cursed in a low voice.

Fortunately, he had reacted fast enough to change his strategy on the fly, using a combination of threats and incentives to temporarily bluff them.

He needed time. He needed more nourishment to soothe his injuries and consolidate the Power Of Will he had just stolen, and even more time to push that Secret Method to the next stage.

Thinking of this, Xu Changze forced himself upright, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, walked to the desk, and pressed several times on a specific carving underneath.

With a soft click, a wall panel slid inward silently, revealing a dark staircase only wide enough for one person. Without any hesitation, Xu Changze slipped inside, and the panel closed quickly.

The stairs steepened as they descended deep underground. The further down he went, the thicker the cloying, bloody scent became.

Xu Changze quickened his pace, a pious longing appearing on his face. After a while, the sounds of chewing and sucking, along with intermittent whimpering and moaning, gradually drifted up.