Chapter 53: A Calculated Turn

Yet, controlling these factions was merely the initial step.

According to the unfolding events, Yin Kang Xuehan had long sensed the animosity directed towards her by the demon kings.

Had it not been for her prior warning, she might not have been able to retaliate and slay the Little Roc King while wounded.

Now that Yin Kang Xuehan’s assassination attempt had failed, it was unlikely she would return to the demon kings’ ranks.

Without her, there would be no internal strife, and Qin Yangjun was no match for the Little Roc King, necessitating alternative plans on his part.

“You two may withdraw for now. Send Zhuang Hancheng to me.”

“Understood.”

The two Peak Masters departed, and before long, a knock sounded at the door.

“Enter.”

With Qin Yangjun’s soft utterance, the large doors swung open.

Upon seeing who had arrived, Qin Yangjun let out a faint chuckle.

For not only Zhuang Hancheng had come, but Zhuang Daoyan as well.

Zhuang Daoyan’s face was a canvas of bruises, a stark confirmation of Qin Yangjun’s earlier suspicions.

No sooner had he entered than Zhuang Daoyan knelt before Qin Yangjun, trembling visibly.

“Lord Zhuang, what is the meaning of this spectacle?”

“My disrespectful son previously offended a disciple of the Yuqian Sect. I have brought him to atone for his transgressions.”

“Heh, atone? Your son, along with his men, assaulted Jiang Yanfeng. Should he seek atonement, he ought to approach Jiang Yanfeng, or perhaps a Peak Master or Deacon. Why have you come to me?”

Qin Yangjun tilted his head, observing the two men below.

“However, it is rather intriguing to note your son’s remarkable abilities, particularly his capacity to command two demon-kind… to do his bidding.”

Qin Yangjun lowered his voice on the final few words.

Zhuang Daoyan’s body jolted, while a cold sweat beaded on Zhuang Hancheng’s forehead.

‘He’s levying serious accusations.’

He had brought his son here precisely to gauge the Chief Disciple’s disposition, believing, from the previous pardoning of Qingluan Mountain, that this Young Master of Azure Water possessed a rather agreeable temperament.

Yet, judging by the aggressive stance now displayed, he was genuinely angered.

“Young Master, this is all a misunderstanding. My son had no idea those two individuals were demons in disguise.”

Zhuang Hancheng hastily explained, bowing deeply with clasped hands, nearly prostrating himself.

“So, his forceful street purchase, his assault on a Yuqian Sect member, and the resulting loss of face for my sect—these, too, were misunderstandings?”

“This… this….”

It was as if something had lodged in Zhuang Hancheng’s throat, rendering him utterly speechless.

Qin Yangjun continued to exert pressure.

“And regarding my assassination attempt, your Lord’s Mansion, while appearing impregnable, is in fact porous on all sides.”

Qin Yangjun rose and slowly walked to Zhuang Hancheng’s side.

“If these two incidents were to reach my sister’s ears, coupled with your previous actions, what sort of outcome do you imagine awaits you?”

By now, Zhuang Hancheng was drenched in sweat, while Zhuang Daoyan beside him trembled like a sifting fan.

“However…”

At this moment, Qin Yangjun abruptly shifted his tone.

“These matters, viewed from a different perspective, take on an entirely new light.”

“Lord Zhuang, for years you have diligently guarded the frontier, integrating surrounding forces to bolster its defenses. Yet, with the proliferation of these powers, the affairs to manage grew increasingly burdensome, demanding daily effort and exhausting your spirit. Ultimately, you could only loosen the ties between these factions, dedicating yourself solely to defending the city.”

“Though your unworthy son may have acted imprudently, his timely recognition and sincere admission of fault render those unpleasant incidents ultimately harmless.”

“As for my assassination, it was due to the cunning of the demon race, and Lord Zhuang’s slight oversight led to their deception. Nevertheless, you returned in the nick of time, preventing any significant losses. Considering your years of meritorious service in guarding the frontier, your achievements shall offset your transgressions…”

Speaking thus, Qin Yangjun helped Zhuang Hancheng to his feet.

“Lord Zhuang, do you find my perspective on these matters to be accurate?”

Zhuang Hancheng was no fool; he immediately grasped the implication of Qin Yangjun’s words.

‘This Young Master of Azure Water truly lives up to his reputation; he has utterly cornered me.’

“Young Master’s judgment is keen. If there is any way I can be of service to you, I shall not hesitate, even if it means facing a thousand deaths.”

Qin Yangjun smiled with satisfaction.

“I prefer conversing with intelligent individuals; it spares me unnecessary words.”

Logically, within Canggu City, all matters of defense were typically handled under Zhuang Hancheng’s command, as he, having guarded the frontier, possessed the clearest understanding of the situation.

Now, however, leveraging these recent incidents, Qin Yangjun had seized this authority for himself.

Henceforth, when it came to assigning personnel, if Qin Yangjun said one, Zhuang Hancheng would not dare to say two.

Naturally, Qin Yangjun harbored no intention of fully usurping power; his sole aim was to control the deployment routes during a counter-offensive.

However, this alone was insufficient to completely absolve them of their transgressions.

“I recall that the previous Demon King possessed a certain item, kept within your Lord’s Mansion treasury, did he not?”

Zhuang Hancheng was first startled, then his expression shifted through a series of emotions.

‘He never imagined Qin Yangjun’s appetite would be so vast. That was an item belonging to a Tribulation Transcendence stage Demon King, one of the few valuable treasures he possessed.’

But…

He gritted his teeth abruptly.

“If Young Master requires it, I shall fetch it immediately and present it to you.”

“Ah, there’s no rush for that now; sooner or later makes no difference. Besides, there’s one more matter…”

As Qin Yangjun spoke, he glanced at Zhuang Daoyan beside them. Zhuang Hancheng immediately understood, lightly kicking Zhuang Daoyan.

“Your presence is no longer required here. Leave at once.”

Zhuang Daoyan, as if granted a great pardon, scrambled out, his retreat a clumsy rush, leaving behind a pathetic sight.

Then, looking at Qin Yangjun, who was of similar age yet exuded an air of vibrant spirit and confidence.

Zhuang Hancheng let out a heavy sigh, a lament for his son’s failings.

“I apologize for letting Young Master witness such a disgraceful display.”

Qin Yangjun merely offered an indifferent smile.

“Let’s get to business. There is something I need you to do…”

Qin Yangjun did not converse with Zhuang Hancheng for long, as the matter itself was not complicated, and there was no need for him to offer extensive explanations.

After their discussion, Zhuang Hancheng departed. Watching his receding figure, Qin Yangjun slowly calmed his mind.

With preparations complete, it was now a waiting game for the demon race to make their move.

Beep! Beep!

Just then, a sharp, piercing sound suddenly exploded by Qin Yangjun’s ear.

It was the alarm he had set up for Ah Ling, now suddenly activated.

Qin Yangjun immediately burst out of his room.

Upon entering Ah Ling’s room, Qin Yangjun was assailed by a strong smell of burning, and a charred mass smoldered in the center of the doorway.

Some features could still be faintly discerned.

Ah Ling, meanwhile, was on her bed, meticulously removing the silken threads from her body, and upon noticing Qin Yangjun’s arrival, she became visibly agitated.

“Young Master, it’s truly wonderful that you’re unharmed.”

Her memory lingered at the moment just before she lost consciousness.

Qin Yangjun offered a helpless smile.

‘This foolish girl never thinks of herself; she nearly lost her life then.’

“Don’t ever undertake such dangerous actions again.”

“But Young Master…”

“Since you address me as Young Master, you must obey my commands. Do you understand?”

Qin Yangjun’s tone brooked no argument.

Qin Yangjun’s ‘dominance’ inexplicably filled Ah Ling’s heart with warmth, and her myriad words condensed into a simple sound.

“Mm.”

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