Chapter 166 The chess falls in the state capital

Xu Changze stood up and paced to the window.

"Does he really think the Yangu Pit is his own backyard? Relying on a little bit of cleverness, he just circles the edges, picking up scraps, and is even pleased with himself?"

"Chen Mu, oh Chen Mu, I originally thought you were a smart person who could see the big picture and understand trade-offs. I didn't expect that you are just a fool who relies on brute courage and covets petty gains."

"Simply abandoning the root for the trivial, utterly foolish!"

In Xu Changze's view, Chen Mu's actions were simply a waste of time, a waste of his shocking talent.

He, Xu Changze, had already extended an olive branch, displayed his power, and even hinted at secret techniques like Power Of Will longevity that pointed directly to the Dao.

But what about Chen Mu? Not only did he not take the opportunity to submit and pledge his loyalty, but he also went to a place like the Yangu Pit to tussle with a group of mindless Ghostly Creatures.

In his eyes, this was no different from children playing games.

"Such Heart-Nature, such vision... in the end, he comes from a peasant background and cannot be brought into polite society."

Xu Changze shook his head, his tone full of disappointment and disdain.

He had indeed considered it; if he could truly tame this sharp blade that was Chen Mu, it would certainly be beneficial to his future grand plans.

But now it seemed that while this blade was sharp, it was too wild. It only knew how to hack and slash, did not understand how to strategize, and could not see what the true source of power was.

Popular will and belief, the orthodox laws of the official Dao, and secret longevity techniques—these were the true ladders to the heavens. Yet Chen Mu ran off to chase after those unranked Ghostly Creatures; it was truly like buying the casket and returning the pearl.

"Fine, since he is courting death himself, then let him be. The truly terrifying existences deep within the Yangu Pit are not something that can be dealt with by a little cleverness."

"When he suffers a huge loss and gets battered and bruised, he will naturally know to turn back."

Xu Changze sneered and stopped paying attention to the matter.

Since Chen Mu had chosen the path of a fool, he was not worth spending too much effort on. Right now, consolidating the Power Of Will he had stolen and repairing his relationship with Wen Jingxing were the top priorities.

Thus, he gave a low order.

"Keep watching him, but there is no need to report every little detail. Also, how has Old Wang the Lame been at the City God Temple recently?"

"Replying to you, my lord, Lord Wang... Old Wang the Lame is as usual. He recites the scriptures you gave him day and night and is respectful enough to the temple attendants and pilgrims, it is just... just that he still looks a bit timid."

Xu Changze nodded after hearing this.

"No matter, take it slow. As long as he is obedient and plays the role of this clay bodhisattva well, I will ensure he has no worries about food and clothing, and perhaps... I might even grant him a stroke of good fortune."

Waving his subordinate away, Xu Changze sat back down at his desk, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes.

Chen Mu's trips to the Yangu Pit would not stir up any big waves.

There were no new movements from Wen Jingxing's side for the time being.

With Old Wang the Lame stationed at the City God Temple, even though he was just a Puppet, he could barely maintain the order of Yin and Yang so it wouldn't collapse.

Everything seemed to be developing in a direction favorable to him.

The urgent priority was to completely stabilize the situation in Yunmeng, turning this place into an impregnable fortress, and transforming it into a base for him to absorb Power Of Will and practice his secret techniques.

As long as his Foundation was solid, even if Wen Jingxing arrived in person, he would have some confidence to maneuver.

As for Chen Mu, he could be set aside for now. With this uncontrollable blade removed from the chess game of Yunmeng, perhaps the game could be played more steadily.

...

Meanwhile, in a three-courtyard residence in the east of the city that looked ordinary on the outside but had a hidden world within, the atmosphere was completely different.

This place was one of the secret strongholds of the Jiang Family of the North in Yunmeng.

In the rear garden's water pavilion, Jiang Xiong stood by the railing with his hands behind his back, watching a few koi in the pond. His expression was calm, revealing no joy or anger.

Standing beside him was an old man with sharp eyes. This was Jiang Yun, another core figure sent by the Jiang Family to Yunmeng, and by seniority, he was Jiang Xiong's clan uncle.

"Xiong'er, is the matter in Yunmeng about to be settled?"

Jiang Yun asked.

Jiang Xiong bowed slightly, his tone respectful.

"Replying to Uncle Yun, the city gods divine treasury has already been obtained. Although there were some twists and turns in the process, the result met expectations."

"Xu Changze pushed out Old Wang the Lame to temporarily hold the divine office, intending to control the Yin Division and continue the absorption of Power Of Will. Although this was unexpected, it did not deviate from the overall situation."

"This person is ambitious and uses ruthless methods, but his Foundation is shallow, and the Power Of Will technique he practices is convoluted, posing great hidden dangers. However, he is a useful chess piece. Once his value is squeezed dry, he can be discarded at any time."

Jiang Yun nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed on the swimming fish in the pond.

"What about that Chen Mu? You seem to value this young man quite a bit."

Mentioning Chen Mu, a ripple finally appeared on Jiang Xiong's face, containing both admiration and deep wariness.

"This young man is truly extraordinary. His exceptional talent, resilient Heart-Nature, and bizarre encounters are rare in my life. With Dao Entry Realm cultivation, he was able to consecutively slay a Heart-Awakening Realm City God and a Prefecture guard. The Cultivation Technique he practices is even more unheard of, and the speed of his progress is unimaginable."

Jiang Yun turned his head, his gaze landing on Jiang Xiong's face.

"In that case, he must not be kept. The variables are too great, and I fear he cannot be controlled by the Family. When you originally gifted him the 'Hunyuan Wuji Calamity Body', you surely had the intention of using the Cultivation Technique's backlash to eliminate this boy. Now it seems..."

Jiang Xiong smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"Please understand, Uncle Yun. Nephew did initially have the intention to test and utilize him, but not only did this boy not suffer a backlash, he instead cultivated the dangerous forbidden technique to a level I cannot see through in a very short time. Nie Feng's death is likely related to this."

A sharp glint appeared in Jiang Yun's eyes.

"You mean, he may have already cultivated the 'Hunyuan Wuji Calamity Body' to near Perfection?"

Jiang Xiong nodded slightly, his tone heavy.

"Although it is hard to believe, all signs indicate that it is indeed possible."

"This boy has too many secrets, and his growth speed is too fast. Keeping him in Yunmeng may cause variables. Xu Changze is definitely not his opponent. If he really makes a scene and ruins our layout here, that would be counterproductive."

"So?"

"So, nephew believes it is time to move this chess piece to a larger chessboard."

Jiang Xiong said slowly.

"The Yunmeng pond is too small; it can no longer contain this hidden dragon about to transform. It is better to send him to the Prefecture. The water there is deep and the fish are mixed; with various forces intertwined, it is just the right place to sharpen the blade."

"Whether he becomes a dragon or a worm depends on his own good fortune. Even if he can stir up the winds and clouds in the future, it will be a game at the Prefecture level or even higher, which will not affect the Jiang Family's Foundation here. Furthermore..."

He paused, his voice dropping lower.

"Things have not been peaceful in the Prefecture recently. Demonic activity is becoming increasingly frequent, the Demon Suppression Division is under immense pressure, and they are in dire need of brave soldiers who dare to fight."

"Chen Mu's combat power is exactly the kind of blade they urgently need. By sending this blade over, we are doing them a favor while also being able to use the Prefecture's hand to further observe, or even... control this young man."

Jiang Yun was silent for a long time before responding.

"You already have a plan?"

Jiang Xiong nodded.

"Yes. Before I leave Yunmeng, I will meet him one more time. I will make the necessary points clear and give him what should be given. As for how he chooses and whether he can seize the opportunity, that is up to him."

Hearing this, Jiang Yun could not help but frown slightly.

"You are going personally?"

"This matter concerns subsequent layouts, and nephew needs to confirm it personally."

"Uncle Yun, rest assured, nephew has his own sense of proportion. For the follow-up matters here in Yunmeng, I will still need Uncle Yun to hold the fort."