Not to mention, the local Government Office, represented by Huang Wenbin, was definitely on his side and ready to be dispatched at a moment’s notice.
The atmosphere grew even more tense.
The Jianghu veterans present could tell from one look at Young Master Yuwen’s eyes that he was not someone who would ever listen to reason.
If anyone dared to refuse, the man would surely strike at once, killing someone on the spot to make an example of them.
He would kill until no one dared to object and everyone agreed to his absurd proposal.
’A madman. A brainless idiot!’
’The Governor of Jiangnan, Yuwen Boxi, used to have a decent reputation. How did he raise such a degenerate?’
’His plans are pure fantasy, based on nothing but whims, with no thought for the consequences.’
’He talks a big game about wanting to serve the Holy Emperor with his own abilities, but he’s constantly leveraging his father’s name and power...’
Zou Feng sighed to himself.
’Tsk. I thought that after becoming General Leader, aside from fending off assassination attempts from the Ten Directions Sect, I’d be able to do as I please in Yuan Guang County. I was planning to focus on my Cultivation for a while and break through to the Gang Qi Realm as soon as possible.’
’But it’s only been a few days, and this moron pops out of nowhere.’
’In short, Yuwen Shacha has a death wish. It would be an insult to my Poison Skill if I didn’t kill him!’
’But the problem is, how do I deal with the current situation first?’
’That hidden Gang Qi Realm expert is no slouch, and I can’t be the one to stick my neck out.’
’I suppose I’ll have to play along for now...’
Just as Zou Feng was pondering how to feign agreement, Tian Yun, seated beside him, unexpectedly spoke up first. "Every man is responsible for the fate of his nation. Young Master Yuwen, you are absolutely right!"
"We humble members of the Jianghu should also do our part to ease the Holy Emperor’s burdens!"
As soon as she spoke, the displeasure on Young Master Yuwen’s face eased considerably. "Master Tian is a person of reason and principle!"
Tian Yun rose, bowed once more, and continued, "Regarding the matter of organizing a Rebel Army to join the Cheetah Camp, if Young Master Yuwen has no objections, why not entrust it to me?"
"I have some small influence here in Yuan Guang County. I will certainly not disappoint you!"
A smile returned to Young Master Yuwen’s face. "Very well. I shall trouble you with this, Master Tian."
’That’s more like it,’ he thought. ’A tiny backwater that can’t even produce a single Gang Qi Realm expert, yet they dared to ignore the obvious path I laid out for them. The height of foolishness.’
’If they don’t obey, so what if I slaughter every last one of them!’
Yuwen Shuo was the seventh son of Yuwen Boxi, the Governor of Jiangnan, born to his most favored concubine.
The boy was doted on and spoiled, a little terror from a young age.
Given his family’s status, it would have been fine for him to live as a good-for-nothing. But as fate would have it, the man was ambitious. He actually wanted to make a name for himself and make a play for the title of Crown Prince.
Now that an age of chaos had begun, Yuwen Shuo saw it as a heaven-sent opportunity. After all, heroes are forged in chaotic times.
And so, he had swaggered out to stir up trouble.
Before arriving in Yuan Guang County, he had already used the same tactics—intimidation and various threats—to bring the Jianghu Influence of another county under his control.
The Jianghu Influence in that other county, Qingchuan County, was even weaker than Yuan Guang County’s. They had no choice but to suffer in silence and submit.
This only inflated Yuwen Shuo’s ego further, strengthening his resolve to continue his troublemaking campaign.
After all, if he managed to rope in a few more counties, the combined Jianghu Influence he could command would be a force that could not be ignored.
If he temporarily conscripted them all into the Cheetah Camp, he might actually be able to annihilate those Roving Bandits.
With Tian Yun’s public support, Yuwen Shuo was already lost in daydreams of the future: his father’s praise and astonishment, the looks of envy and jealousy from his brothers upon hearing the news...
The next moment, Tian Yun turned to Zou Feng and asked, "I will take charge of this matter. What do you think, General Zou?"
As she turned, she moved out of the line of sight of both Yuwen Shuo and his hidden expert. Her expression changed instantly, and she gave Zou Feng a look, signaling for him to play along.
Zou Feng immediately understood. Tian Yun hadn’t suddenly lost her mind, nor was she caving to the pressure.
Instead, her thinking was the same as his: play along for now to defuse the immediate crisis, and then make a proper plan.
However, judging by the look in her eyes, it was clear she also wanted Yuwen Shuo dead.
Don’t let Tian Yun’s benevolent, noblewoman-like appearance fool you. How many martial artists were truly good-natured?
Of course, nothing is absolute, and good-tempered ones certainly existed, but they were a minority.
Otherwise, what was the point of practicing martial arts if not to settle grudges as you please, taking heads to celebrate with wine?
Therefore, Yuwen Shuo’s actions—tantamount to sending them all to their deaths—had naturally incurred the wrath of the crowd.
So what if he was the son of the Governor of Jiangnan? He was trying to press-gang them out of the blue and send them to fight and die on some battlefield?
If it was death either way, it would be a miracle if they didn’t decide to fight him to the bitter end!
As for the subsequent trouble—whether they’d be investigated and punished—that was a problem for another day.
Understanding Tian Yun’s intentions, Zou Feng immediately played along.
"With Master Tian taking the lead on the arrangements, nothing could be better. I have no objections."
After speaking, Zou Feng also turned to the people behind him, some of whom were still bewildered. "What does everyone think?" he asked. "Master Tian and I have decided on everyone’s behalf. No one has any objections, do they?"
Hearing his words and seeing his expression, most of the crowd naturally caught on.
Even for those who didn’t quite grasp the situation, what could they do when both Zou Feng and Tian Yun had spoken?
With that, the tense atmosphere finally relaxed.
The faint killing intent in the air also dissipated.
Tian Yun looked back at Yuwen Shuo. "Organizing the Rebel Army will require many preparations," she said. "I hope Young Master Yuwen can give us a few more days."
Yuwen Shuo acted as if he had everyone present wrapped around his finger. Besides, he wasn’t so stupid as to believe the matter could be settled in two or three days.
Since they had agreed, pressing them too hard would be unwise. Yuwen Shuo understood that much. He nodded and said, "Fine. But you have half a month at most. This must be done. Otherwise, I will hold you personally responsible!"
"Alright. Since you are all people who understand the greater good, I shall offer a toast."
"Do your work, and don’t worry. If you can distinguish yourselves in the future, I guarantee you will be well rewarded!"
It was another empty promise, but Yuwen Shuo clearly believed his words carried immense weight.
Everyone present quickly agreed, playing their parts for the time being.
After that toast, the atmosphere seemed to return to normal.
Huang Wenbin eagerly spoke up again, suggesting that the entertainment, which had been paused, could continue. Let the music play, let the dancing resume.
This time, Liu Xian’Er did not just play her qin; she also performed a rare dance.
Unfortunately, as beautiful as the dance was, and the dancer even more so, everyone was too preoccupied with their worries to enjoy it.
Even though they knew they had to find a way to deal with Yuwen Shuo later, the matter was hardly simple. It was fraught with uncertainty and risk...
Even as he drank the priceless Spirit Wine, Zou Feng found it had no flavor.
While watching Liu Xian’Er dance, however, he noticed the woman must have had training. Her flexibility was simply incredible.
Not far away, Shi Yangming grew hot and bothered after watching for a short while, unable to sit still.
When her dance was over, Liu Xian’Er left the hall and did not return.
Everyone endured until the banquet finally concluded, then hastily took their leave.
Just as Zou Feng was about to leave the hall, Yuwen Shuo seemed to recall something. "General Zou, a moment!"
Startled, Zou Feng turned back and said respectfully, "Young Master Yuwen, do you have further instructions?"
"I hear your Gang Leader, that... Bian Yixia, is in seclusion?"
"That is correct!"
"We are in dire need of capable people. Tell her to end her seclusion and come out to work with us. Once she earns military merit, there will be no shortage of rewards for her." Yuwen Shuo’s tone made it sound as if ending seclusion was as simple as running to the market, something one could do at a moment’s notice without any consequences.
Hearing this, Zou Feng was at a loss for how to even begin to roast this jackass.
In truth, Zou Feng only knew that Bian Yixia had gone into seclusion on Qifeng Mountain; he had no idea of her exact location.
Besides, Qifeng Mountain was absurdly vast and teeming with Demon Beasts. It would be impractical to send a large search party.
However, Zou Feng knew that saying any of this would only make Yuwen Shuo think he was making excuses.
So, after a moment’s thought, Zou Feng replied, "Young Master Yuwen, our Gang Leader was actually on the verge of ending her seclusion anyway. By the time she emerges, she will very likely have broken through to the Gang Qi Realm. If she joins the Rebel Army then, she can add even more to its strength!"
"Gang Qi Realm?" Yuwen Shuo gave a slightly surprised smile. "A talent indeed. To reach the Gang Qi Realm practicing some third-rate Cultivation Skill... Quite promising..."
"That’s fine, too. In any case, I’ve given you half a month. Just make sure she’s out by then."
"Yes..."