CHAPTER 240: CHAPTER 168 BLOOD GOD CHURCH, DIRTY DEAL!

Inner City.

City Lord’s Mansion.

A young man of remarkable presence stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance towards Wuyou City.

"Uncle Li, how is the situation at Black Dragon Stronghold?"

"Father will return tomorrow. If he finds out that Black Dragon Stronghold has been seized by a nameless upstart, he might be furious."

The young man was fairly handsome, but his eyes were somewhat sinister.

If someone from the higher echelons of Jiang City were here, they would surely recognize him at a glance.

This person, of noble status, was none other than the City Lord’s son, Zhou Tong!

"Young master, rest assured. This old servant has already investigated Lu Yuan’s background. Although he possesses an S-level talent, he has just recently graduated and is merely a Tier Two Simulator."

"He has the support of the Zhao Family and took advantage of the lord’s absence to seize Black Dragon Stronghold."

The old servant in gray clothes replied respectfully.

"Once the lord returns, reclaiming Black Dragon Stronghold will be a breeze."

"Moreover, Lu Yuan and the Zhao Family invested significant manpower and resources to refurbish Black Dragon Stronghold, saving us a lot of time. By then, the lord will be overjoyed and won’t blame you."

"The Zhao Family?" Zhou Tong sneered, a hint of murderous intent in his eyes: "It seems they haven’t learned their lesson from back then and are still relentless."

"Fine, since they are obstinate, there’s no need for them to exist."

Just as Zhou Tong was determined to claim Wuyou City, an untimely voice suddenly echoed throughout the City Lord’s Mansion.

"Younger Brother Zhou, please come out for a chat."

Before the words had even fallen.

A pungent, overwhelming scent of blood swept in from outside, making Zhou Tong and his companion almost retch.

"What is this..."

Smelling the scent of blood, Zhou Tong and the old servant in gray exchanged glances, seeing the shock in each other’s eyes.

"Damn it, why has this plague come here!"

Zhou Tong muttered a curse, showing clear disdain for the visitor.

After all, the other party was a notorious member of the Evil God Church, reviled throughout the Great Yan Empire.

If others knew the City Lord’s Mansion had deep connections with members of the Evil God Church, it would undoubtedly bring enormous trouble.

Despite these thoughts, Zhou Tong quickly put on an enthusiastic smile.

The next second.

A middle-aged man in a blood-red robe appeared in the hall, as if teleporting.

"Hmm? Where is Zhou Li? Why can’t I sense his presence?"

The man was stout, his skin covered with vivid blood-colored patterns embedded deep in his flesh, exuding an eerie and sinister aura.

"Junior Zhou Tong greets Elder Zheng. My father has been away for many days and has not returned. May I ask why you are visiting so late at night?"

Zhou Tong greeted him with a smile, not daring to be inattentive.

For this man was not only a genuine Tier Four Moonlight Strong Person but also a Priest of the Blood God Church, with thousands of Blood God cultists under his command!

Even Zhou Li would have to show deference if he were here!

"Away and not returned? I reckon he’s avoiding meeting me face-to-face!"

Zheng Fan snorted coldly, his face immediately darkening.

An invisible, terrifying aura descended, pressing down on Zhou Tong and the old servant, turning their faces red and making it incredibly difficult to breathe!

NovelBin

"Elder Zheng, please calm down! Father truly has important matters at hand. I’m currently in charge of all affairs in Jiang City. Please, if there’s anything the junior can assist with, just say the word."

NovelBin

Zhou Tong’s expression changed dramatically, hastily trying to placate.

"Not bad, young man, you have ambition, but can you really make decisions on this?" Zheng Fan scrutinized Zhou Tong with a half-smile.

"May I ask, Elder Zheng, what exactly is the matter?" Zhou Tong asked, steeling himself.

"Zhou Li had an agreement with our Blood God Church, allowing my followers to enter the city to feast every five years, in exchange for our church’s protection."

"But it’s been a full five years and one month since the last entry. Have you forgotten, or are you thinking of reneging?"

Zheng Fan’s gaze was as cold as a viper’s, making Zhou Tong and the old servant shiver!

"Entering the city to feast?" Zhou Tong quickly looked to the old servant: "Uncle Li, is this true?"

Upon receiving his confirmation, Zhou Tong’s face turned deathly pale, feeling as if ice ran through his veins, immobilizing his blood.

No wonder Jiang City’s remote location, away from the heart of major cities, but maintained peace for centuries.

It turned out Zhou Tong had long since made some covert deal with these Evil God Cults.

Yet, after a moment of shock, Zhou Tong quickly accepted this reality.

For the country’s benefit and survival.

These are merely necessary sacrifices.

From the City Lord’s Mansion’s perspective.

To sacrifice a small portion for the safety of the majority and Jiang City’s long-lasting peace.

It’s not a bad deal.

Thinking this, Zhou Tong found nothing wrong with it.

To accomplish great things, one must not be restricted by trivialities.

Those ignorant and foolish at the bottom, living only wastes resources; contributing to Jiang City’s development should be their honor.

As long as their family stands unbroken, what does it matter how many lowly people die?

"Indeed, understanding this at such a young age, Zhou Li has indeed raised a good son."

Zheng Fan nodded approvingly.

Not far from the City Lord’s Mansion.

Lu Yuan stood atop a tall building, observing everything.

The crows are all black the world over.

Having witnessed so much filth and darkness, he had become entirely indifferent to such matters.

"So the five-yearly Dark Tide is just a farce orchestrated by the City Lord’s Mansion?"

In Lu Yuan’s memory.

Every five years, Jiang City faced an unprecedented Dark Tide.

Endless demonic creatures and Evil God Cultists surged like a tide from the darkness, mercilessly slaughtering civilians and Simulators.

After every Dark Tide, at least hundreds of thousands died tragically!

And just as Jiang City was about to fall.

The City Lord’s Mansion would lead the powerful families to rise up, and after a fierce battle, finally repel all the dark beings.

Because of this.

The City Lord’s Mansion’s reputation and status in Jiang City were unrivaled!

"So those demonic creatures weren’t repelled; they seemed more like they were fed."

Thinking about it.

Lu Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly.

He had tried to assume the worst of people, only to find he still underestimated the shamelessness of those in power.

Necessary sacrifice?

At any cost?

For the benefit of the state?

Nature creates everything to nourish humans, but humans have nothing to repay nature.

If that’s the case, let’s start with these people.

He wondered if they would maintain their convictions when the blade descends.

Lu Yuan took a step forward, disappearing from the tall building, and instantly appearing within the City Lord’s Mansion!