Chapter 328 - 202: Infinite True Essence

Chapter 328: Chapter 202: Infinite True Essence

Shao Santong had actually died at Shi Ziran’s hands.

However, neither Su Mu nor Yang Changfeng would dwell on this point.

If Su Mu hadn’t thrown Shao Santong in front of Shi Ziran, how could Shi Ziran possibly have had the chance to kill him?

It was just like when Su Mu had delivered the finishing blow to the Demon Court General—the credit was obvious.

As for the spoils of war, Su Mu certainly wasn’t going to refuse them.

Still, he was somewhat surprised to see Yang Changfeng have several large chests brought in.

’Shao Santong was a traitor. How could he have left so much behind in Hujue Pass?’

"We all underestimated the Pure Land Sect."

Yang Changfeng noticed Su Mu’s confusion and snorted coldly. "His plan wasn’t as simple as just luring the Demon Court into Hujue Pass.

According to their plan with the Demon Court, after the demons stormed Hujue Pass, they were to kill every last one of us.

Then, Shao Santong would emerge to ’reclaim the lost territory’ and ’drive out the Demon Court.’

With this supposed achievement, Shao Santong would have risen meteorically through the ranks.

By then, Hujue Pass would have truly become the Pure Land Sect’s territory."

Playing both sides.

’If he had succeeded, he might have actually become a Third-Grade Official of Da Xuan, tasked with governing a territory.’

’Then he would have had ample opportunity to grow and strengthen the Pure Land Sect.’

"So, he was treating Hujue Pass as his personal stronghold,"

Yang Changfeng said.

Shao Santong wasn’t just hitting and running; he had planned to stay in Hujue Pass for the long haul. It was no wonder, then, that so many valuables were found in his residence.

However, looking at the large chests put him in a difficult position.

’How am I going to get all this back to Wuling?’

"Uncle Shi, take inventory of all this. Convert what you can into silver notes, and we’ll figure out a way to take the rest."

Su Mu ordered.

Shi Ziran was worldly and had a discerning eye, making him perfect for the job.

Without hesitation, Shi Ziran walked over to the chests and began taking inventory.

While Shi Ziran was cataloging the spoils, Su Mu turned to Yang Changfeng. "Lord Yang, the Demon Court’s army has temporarily withdrawn. If Hujue Pass has no further need of us, we’d like to return to Wuling to report on our mission."

"You have your orders, so it’s only right that you return to Wuling."

Yang Changfeng nodded. "I will report your accomplishments to the Headquarters. The corresponding rewards will be delivered to Wuling.

As for the pensions for our fallen brothers, in addition to what the Headquarters provides, Hujue Pass will also contribute. We’ll have it all sent to Wuling City."

"Then I thank you, Lord Yang."

Su Mu said.

"You’ve foiled the Pure Land Sect’s conspiracy. And while I’ve ordered that all information about it be suppressed, there’s no such thing as a perfect secret. You must be wary of the Pure Land Sect’s retaliation in the future."

Yang Changfeng said gravely.

He was a meticulous and steady man. While not as powerful as Li Tingkui, he was far more thorough and considerate in his planning.

This was precisely why the Taiping Bureau had stationed Yang Changfeng at Hujue Pass.

A man of his character was less prone to making oversights.

Su Mu nodded. That was a threat he certainly had to guard against.

"That ’Flood Dragon’ demon... what are your plans for it?"

Yang Changfeng asked suddenly. "Traveling with it across provinces will likely be quite inconvenient."

Ao Qing’s body was immense. Even when shrunk, it was still dozens of feet long.

If a demon of that size were to appear in a city, it would easily cause a panic among the populace.

"Lord Yang, do you have a suggestion?"

Su Mu asked thoughtfully.

"Perhaps... you could leave it here at Hujue Pass."

Yang Changfeng said, his old face flushing slightly.

Su Mu was momentarily speechless, then chuckled.

He understood what Yang Changfeng was getting at.

The value of having a Tier Five Demon stationed at Hujue Pass was self-evident.

A Tier Five Demon was, after all, the equivalent of a human Nascent Soul Martial Artist.

The Demon Court’s own generals were of the same caliber.

If Ao Qing helped defend Hujue Pass, while it might not become an impenetrable fortress, it certainly wouldn’t be so easily breached by the Demon Court.

However—

"I can’t."

Su Mu shook his head. "Ao Qing must remain by my side. Only then can I ensure it won’t cause any trouble."

The ’Flood Dragon’ Ao Qing required him to feed it a blood body periodically; otherwise, it wouldn’t be so obedient.

"Is that so..."

Yang Changfeng sighed with regret. "In that case, I will send missives to the various provinces, complete with a portrait of Ao Qing, to inform their respective Taiping Bureaus. That should prevent any misunderstandings."

If a ’Flood Dragon’ demon were to suddenly appear without explanation, it was very likely that someone from the Taiping Bureau would show up to slay the beast.

"You’re always so considerate, Lord Yang. Thank you."

Su Mu said, cupping his fists.

He had kept Ao Qing on an impulse and hadn’t thought things through that far.

With Yang Changfeng offering to handle it, a great deal of trouble would be saved.

"Since you have a Demon Pet for transportation, I won’t prepare any horses for you."

Yang Changfeng thought for a moment before adding, "There is still much to be done at Hujue Pass, so you may depart whenever you are ready. There’s no need to see me off formally."

Su Mu nodded.

Yang Changfeng didn’t stand on ceremony, leaving in a hurry with Qianyun Mountain.

They truly had a great deal to attend to.

Before he left, Yang Changfeng had Zhang Wangyue stay behind to assist Su Mu.

Soon, Shi Ziran had finished cataloging the contents of the chests.

He handed everything that could be liquidated over to Zhang Wangyue to be exchanged for silver notes.

The remaining items fit into a single small bundle. Shi Ziran carried it as he followed Su Mu back to the courtyard where they were staying.

「Inside the room.」

Shi Ziran carefully shut the door and windows, then pulled a jet-black Jade Pendant from the bundle.

The Jade Pendant was nearly the size of an adult’s palm, its surface smooth and polished, carved into a semicircle.

"My lord, to think that Sha Lian Ting would give this to Sha Tongtian as well!"