127: A storm is brewing

In the Northern Border mines, Shadow One and Shadow Two were escorted before Zhu Changpo.

Inside the mine shaft, Zhu Changpo toyed with a teacup, his face expressionless, save for the cruelty and malice glinting in his eyes.

He looked coldly at the two kneeling on the ground, and after a moment:

"Hmph, Shadow Guards? You think revealing your identities will make me let you go?"

Zhu Changpo suddenly stood up and kicked Shadow One.

Shadow One let out a muffled groan from the kick but gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Shadow Two also looked determined, his gaze devoid of fear:

"Lord Shadow already knows we are investigating the Northern Border. If you treat us like this, aren't you afraid the Dynasty will blame the Northern Border?"

Seeing Shadow Two actually dare to threaten him, Zhu Changpo laughed out of sheer anger:

"Good, good, you have backbone! Men, throw them into the dungeon. I want to see how the Dynasty can blame this General without any evidence!"

"You!"

Shadow One and Shadow Two glared at Zhu Changpo... Meanwhile, in the Xihua Sect, Zhuang Lei rushed to Zhuang Xian's study.

Looking at the secret report on the desk, his eyes shifted as he said:

"Young Master, something seems to have happened in the Northern Border; it's getting quite lively. Why don't we go take a look and meet this new City Lord? I'm sure you miss that Embroiderer and Madam Liu, hehe!"

Zhuang Xian had been pacing back and forth with a furrowed brow, but upon hearing Zhuang Lei's words, a murderous light flashed in his eyes:

"Don't ever say such things again! Also, the new City Lord has a very close relationship with me! He is one of ours! You'd better be polite to him!"

Zhuang Lei was startled. Although he didn't understand why, he still bowed:

"Forgive me, Young Master! This old servant will remember; I won't dare to do it again."

Zhuang Xian's expression softened as he said:

"Arrange some people to keep a close eye on these three parties. Report or leak information to Northern Border City about anyone who acts against the Northern Border."

Zhuang Lei nodded repeatedly with a serious expression and left shortly after to arrange the matters Zhuang Xian had ordered... Northern Border Garrison Town.

At this moment, Situ Jun was in his study, completely unaware of the shifting winds and clouds outside.

He looked at the map of the Northern Border in his hands, calculating how to develop the Northern Border's economy and improve the lives of the common people.

Suddenly, a guard rushed in to report:

"City Lord, General Zhu seeks an audience!"

Situ Jun's expression behind the mask froze for a moment, curious about what Zhu Changpo wanted so late at night, but he still said in a deep voice:

"Let him in!"

After Zhu Changpo entered, he approached, cupped his hands, and whispered:

"Master, the Dynasty's Shadow Guards were investigating the Northern Border, and two of them were captured by your subordinate."

Situ Jun's expression turned solemn, a look of contemplation appearing in his eyes. After a moment:

"It seems many eyes are now focused on the Northern Border. My position as Acting Governor has likely drawn attention as well. I need to shed this identity quickly. You make the arrangements tomorrow so that my 'original' identity can become the City Lord."

"Rest assured, Milord, it has already been arranged. Your current identity is that of a wandering martial artist passing through the Northern Border who happened to encounter Cultivators from the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty and the Xuan Yin Sect plotting against the Northern Border's spirit mines. Out of a whim, you borrowed the identity of the Xihua Sect to play around in the Northern Border."

Situ Jun nodded and waved his hand for Zhu Changpo to leave.

Zhu Changpo bowed and retreated, disappearing silently outside the study door.

The heavy doors closed, cutting off the last trace of sound.

This simple study deep within the luxurious mansion sank completely into a heart-pounding silence, with only the candlelight casting Situ Jun's flickering and massive Shadow onto the heavy red sandalwood desk, like a lurking beast.

He sat alone behind the massive desk, his fingertips unconsciously brushing across the smooth, cold surface, while his gaze pierced through the closed window lattices toward the towering mountains in the distance, which were now only vague silhouettes in the night.

"The Royal City? Shadow Guards? Sovereign Li Xuan?"

That bit of suspicion and balancing of power couldn't stir even half a ripple in his heart, like a pebble thrown into a deep pool that failed to produce even a decent wave.

What he truly cared about was the happiness of his women and the stability of the Northern Border.

With a slight movement of his fingertips, a warm Jade Slip appeared out of thin air in his palm.

As spiritual power was injected, the surface of the Jade Slip glowed with flowing light, and a dizzyingly complex topographical map of the Northern Border suddenly emerged.

The dense mountain ranges were like the blood vessels of a giant beast, stretching to every corner of the land.

Several locations, however, flickered with extremely bright spots of light, their positions deeper than common logic would suggest.

Situ Jun's gaze remained fixed for a long time on one of the deepest spots, where the red light was most solid.

This was indeed a map of the Northern Border, but this red dot was a spirit stone vein unknown to the Dynasty. Moreover, it was a Mid-Grade Spirit Stone vein. Bei Batian had discovered it by chance and, wanting to keep it for himself, had hidden the information, which now benefited Situ Jun.

A moment later, he went alone to a secluded spot in the backyard.

After waving the guards away, he opened the door and entered.

The door opened, and Bei Batian, who was inside the room, immediately stood up and bowed:

"Master!"

Situ Jun nodded:

"Your injuries have recovered. You will set out tonight for the Western Frontier to be its City Lord. I've prepared some cultivation resources, spirit stones, Medicinal Pills, and such for you."

Saying this, he took out a Storage Pouch and threw it to Bei Batian.

"Thank you, Master!"

Taking the Storage Pouch, Bei Batian thanked him with a look of joy.

Situ Jun nodded and said:

"From now on, you are finished with everything in Northern Border City, including Yun Niang."

Bei Batian's eyes flickered, and he immediately understood:

"Rest assured, Master. I have a hidden ailment, and besides, I owe them. I was even thinking of giving them away. I will write the Divorce Letter immediately and never return to the Northern Border again."

Situ Jun felt a sense of relief in his heart and said:

"Get ready. I'll order the guards to prepare a horse for you."

After saying that, he turned and went out... The night was as dark as ink, with only scattered lights remaining on the streets of Northern Border City.

Situ Jun stood on the high platform of the City Lord's Mansion, holding several Divorce Letters in his hand, his robes fluttering in the cold wind. He gazed at the undulating mountains in the distance and sighed, a deep light flashing in his eyes.

"Milord, I have arranged for people to accompany Bei Batian to the Western City."

Zhu Changpo appeared behind him at some unknown time, his voice low and respectful.

Situ Jun nodded slightly:

"After tomorrow, Northern Border City will welcome a new life. You must ensure that everything goes perfectly."

"Your subordinate understands."

Zhu Changpo bowed and retreated, his figure quickly vanishing into the darkness.

Meanwhile, deep in the dungeon.

Shadow One and Shadow Two were chained inside the cold cell, which was filled with a damp and decaying atmosphere.

Shadow One said in a low voice:

"It seems we miscalculated this time. The waters of Northern Border City are quite deep; City Lord Bei is likely not simple."

Shadow Two sneered:

"Regardless, Lord Shadow will definitely find us. When that time comes, Northern Border City will surely pay the price."

Suddenly, the cell door was pushed open, and a guard walked in carrying a tray with two bowls of congee and a few pieces of dried meat.

He expressionlessly placed the food on the ground and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Shadow One called out to him:

"Please tell City Lord Bei that we are Shadow Guards of the Royal Dynasty."

The guard paused but said without turning back:

"I'm just a food delivery man; I have no right to see the City Lord."

After saying that, he strode away.

Shadow One and Shadow Two looked at each other and sighed inwardly...