CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 43: BAITING WITH ONE’S OWN LIFE

"How many veins have you opened?"

Looking at the awakened Wang Junze, Lu Qing finally couldn’t help but ask.

"Ah, can I not say?" Wang Junze replied somewhat sheepishly, rubbing his nose.

Though the matter of opening veins with Sword Intent had already been exposed, theoretically, there wasn’t much need to hide the number of veins. However, hundred meridians opening was still too exaggerated. Instinctively, Wang Junze realized it was best not to let anyone know until he truly had the power to protect himself.

"What, don’t you trust me?" Lu Qing rolled his eyes and said grumpily, "Forget it, if you don’t want to say, let’s go. I’ll take you to see the young lady."

"Now? Isn’t it too early?" Wang Junze asked hesitantly, glancing at the sky.

The sky is just barely lightening!

"When you broke through in the middle of the night, why weren’t you afraid of disturbing the young lady?" Lu Qing snorted coldly and rolled his eyes, "Come on, the young lady is waiting for you."

With the conversation reaching this point, Wang Junze naturally couldn’t refuse anymore and immediately followed Lu Qing to Su Yuwei’s room.

"Come in."

Before Lu Qing could speak, Su Yuwei’s voice sounded from inside the room, clearly waiting for Wang Junze to come over.

Having changed into a plain white long dress, Su Yuwei leaned on the chair, appearing somewhat languid. Yet the noble air between her brows naturally made one dare not look too long. Wang Junze merely glanced briefly before lowering his head and clasping his fists, saying, "Thank you for your assistance, Commandery Princess."

"Breaking through overnight and stepping into Condensing Truth, now you indeed have some semblance of a Sword Path Genius." Su Yuwei praised softly, "In Jubei City, you barely possess some self-protective capabilities... You said you wanted to thank me, but there’s no need. Do something for me, would you?"

Momentarily surprised, Wang Junze then earnestly said, "Please instruct me, Commandery Princess."

This time, being able to comprehend Sword Intent, open veins, and break the realm, indeed, Wang Junze owed Su Yuwei a great favor; naturally, with his character, he would not refuse her request.

Su Yuwei was quite satisfied with Wang Junze’s attitude. A smile appeared on her face as she said, "I received news that Deserters have infiltrated Jubei City. We don’t know yet who’s colluding with them. This matter... you investigate. As long as you find evidence, no matter which sect or family is involved, you can kill them!"

Su Yuwei spoke lightly, but Wang Junze still felt a strong killing intent from it!

This was to set an example!

But why did Su Yuwei want him to investigate?

"Does the Commandery Princess mean for me to serve as bait?"

In an instant, Wang Junze recalled the black-robed man who attacked him before, a flash of insight crossed his mind, and he couldn’t help but blurt out.

"Correct!"

Her eyes showing a hint of appreciation, Su Yuwei answered softly, "You can speak to me and Luo Qingxuan, yet your own strength is weak. If I were the Deserters, I would certainly find a way to breach from your side. Once you’re captured, there’s a chance to glean information from Profound Moon Sword Sect or my Judgment Department, far more useful than bribing any family or sect member."

"..."

This statement doesn’t quite sound like a compliment, does it?

"Rest assured, I won’t let you die. You just need to find clues and draw them out; I’ll handle the killing." Lu Qing patted Wang Junze’s shoulder reassuringly.

"Of course, you can also refuse."

Looking at Wang Junze, Su Yuwei continued, "You’re not yet a member of the Judgment Department, so you don’t have to follow my orders. You still have time to find Luo Qingxuan if you wish."

"I am willing."

Shaking his head, Wang Junze replied solemnly, "Since I’m already caught in this vortex, there’s no turning back. Whether I choose the Judgment Department or the Profound Moon Sword Sect, there’s no difference. Besides... truth be told, I also want to root out these traitors."

"That’s more like it; young people should have the courage of youth." Lu Qing laughed, "Boldly taking action, without this spirit, what meaning does cultivation hold for our generation?"

"What should I do next?"

Nodding, Wang Junze asked again.

"Leave the inn, go wherever you like, and contact whomever among the families or sect members you wish." Lu Qing replied nonchalantly, "But remember, don’t really be seduced by them, or else... I will kill you myself."

In his final words, Lu Qing’s face showed a serious expression, clearly not joking.

"Alright!"

Wang Junze nodded lightly and replied, "If one day, I really collude with the Deserters and fall in line with them, I’d rather die by Brother Lu’s hand."

With a flick of her finger, a purple jade pendant flew out and landed in Wang Junze’s hand. Su Yuwei said indifferently, "This is a protective talisman. I’ve left a wisp of aura in it. If you genuinely encounter danger and your life is at stake, you can crush it. The power within is enough to save your life! Additionally, upon sensing the aura, I can arrive in Jubei City within the time of one incense stick burning at most."

Pausing for a moment, Su Yuwei continued, "However, you only have this one chance. Don’t use it lightly unless there’s no other choice, understood?"

"Thank you, Commandery Princess!"

Putting away the jade pendant, Wang Junze replied earnestly.