CHAPTER 1896: CHAPTER 1897: DEEPER INTO SOUTHERN XINJIANG

"Your subject accepts the command."

After solemnly bowing to Zhao Xuanzhen and receiving permission, Lin An finally walked out of the main hall.

Lin An did not doubt the truthfulness of her father’s words. Even if they were false, it wouldn’t be something she could easily find flaws in. What concerned her was how much more her father was hiding from her beyond those matters.

Deceiving someone is difficult, but hiding certain things is a much simpler task.

"Your Majesty, is it really appropriate to let Lin An go out alone like this?"

After Lin An left, Ji Yuguang finally spoke to Zhao Xuanzhen.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled as he glanced at his most trusted Lord National Master and slowly said, "The appearance of Su Zhedian is indeed unexpected, but both you and I know that the momentum of the Demonic Path is bound to be in Southern Xinjiang. When the enemy advances, it’s natural for me to retreat. Although there are shadows of the Demonic Path everywhere abroad, it’s still much safer compared to Southern Xinjiang. After all, she is Lin An."

"Are you worried that she might act impulsively after going to Southern Xinjiang?"

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled kindly, agreeing, "You understand me, Lord National Master."

"I know this girl Lin An is strong-willed, but I really didn’t expect her to care so much about these matters."

"Is that the reason you didn’t care about that Su family kid from the start?"

Ji Yuguang turned her head without responding, and seeing this, Zhao Xuanzhen only smiled faintly without pursuing further.

"Let’s talk about official business. How is your investigation concerning the Xiao Tribe?"

Ji Yuguang coldly eyed Zhao Xuanzhen and said, "You know very well that I am completely unaware of matters related to the Ancient Clan, yet you had me handle this. You never expected to get any information from me in the first place, did you?"

"Hehe. The Lord National Master sees things so clearly. You should also understand the reason why I specifically brought this matter up to you."

Although a bit displeased, Ji Yuguang was aware of Zhao Xuanzhen’s intentions, knowing that it was a hurdle that couldn’t be bypassed, so she compromised and said.

"Tell me, what’s going on with the Xiao Tribe?"

"Just as you expected, the entire Xiao Tribe is clean, with not a trace of collusion with the Demonic Path. However, they can’t explain how Xiao Heng became the Demon Mountain Master. And... after the Qinling incident, Xiao Heng had one contact with the Xiao Tribe."

"Just once?"

"Perhaps more than once, but I’ve only caught this one."

"What did they talk about?"

"I don’t know. It was the elderly Earth Immortal of the Xiao Tribe who met with Xiao Heng. Unless their relationship is completely torn apart, no one could know what they talked about."

"With just this bit of information, you can’t boldly move against the Xiao Tribe, can you?"

Zhao Xuanzhen sighed, "Indeed, without concrete evidence, I can’t act recklessly. Although the Ancient Clans aren’t what they used to be, a thin camel is bigger than a horse. Once internal conflicts erupt, peace in Xia Country would be lost. That’s why I came to find you."

"You want me to do the same thing Su Zhedian is doing?"

"Why? What he can do, you can’t? If I remember correctly, he’s supposed to be your junior, right?"

Facing Zhao Xuanzhen’s undisguised provocation, Ji Yuguang casually flicked her horsetail whisk.

"So what?"

"Lord National Master, please don’t make it difficult for me. Consider it for the sake of Xia Country, for... Dragon and Tiger."

Upon hearing those names closely tied to herself, Ji Yuguang suppressed her inner resistance and looked up at Zhao Xuanzhen, saying.

"This is the last time, but don’t expect me to destroy the entire Xiao Tribe alone. The cost is too great, and I won’t do it."

"Of course, as long as you can help me understand some of their details, if they do indeed act rashly, I will naturally have others take action."

Zhao Xuanzhen was never worried about a single Xiao Tribe but the alliance of the Ancient Clans.

So what he needed was never direct suppression but rather to tear open a gap in their defenses or find a justified reason. That would be enough.

"Hmm, I will act in three days."

Having said that, Ji Yuguang’s figure flashed, disappearing directly from the main hall.

Watching the departing figure, Zhao Xuanzhen mused to himself with a hint of amusement.

"Won’t do, not can’t do? Interesting, Uncle An."

Zhao Xuanzhen spoke, and an old man with graying hair suddenly appeared by his side, seemingly out of nowhere.

"This old servant is here."

"Can you annihilate an entire clan alone?"

The old man seriously pondered for a moment before saying.

"If the other party is weakened to the extent of the Su Clan, there might be a slight chance. However, even so, this old servant’s life might have to end there."

Zhao Xuanzhen nodded, looking in the direction where Ji Yuguang disappeared.

"It seems it’s time to arrange for the Shen Family to compile a new list."

Upon hearing this, Uncle An proactively opened his mouth, "Do you need me to arrange it?"

"No need, this list is rather special this time. We’ll need to include those newly surfaced demonic paths abroad, not something Xia Country alone can decide."

Uncle An raised his head in surprise, looking at Zhao Xuanzhen. "Your Majesty, are you planning to confront them openly?"

"Since the other side is about to reveal their intentions, why can’t we show our hand first? A trap? It’s uncertain who will end up in it."

Southern Border Extreme Land.

With the Demon Clan led by Long Ao Tian and Bai Qiu clearing the way, the small demons within Southern Xinjiang dared not provoke this aggressive party.

However, watching these blatant actions of the Demon Clan, Bei Tang Qian Xiao couldn’t help feeling a bit worried.

"Aren’t these Demon Clan folks afraid of the Demon Slayer Department settling accounts later?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Nanzhi shook his head, "Rest assured, Qingci has arranged everything. Although she can’t arrive immediately, she’ll be here soon."

Upon hearing this, Bei Tang Qian Xiao blinked and hesitated for a moment before finally asking.

"So what’s the relationship between Ye Qingci and Su Chengyu? They can’t be real aunt and nephew, can they? Or perhaps they both..."

Xu Nanzhi listened and chuckled softly, then shook his head.

"I don’t know."

Bei Tang Qian Xiao looked puzzled, "You’re not curious? You might be the first of Su Chengyu’s close female companions by her side, right?"

Xu Nanzhi laughed lightly.

"Matters of the heart never follow a first-come-first-served principle."

Upon hearing this, an inexplicable feeling of annoyance surged within Bei Tang Qian Xiao. Noticing the change, Xu Nanzhi tentatively asked.

"Why? Are you interested in Chengyu too?"

"I am not!"

Feeling like her heart was exposed, Bei Tang Qian Xiao retorted passionately.

"How could I fall for such a frivolous person!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Nanzhi shook his head, "Chengyu is indeed a man of affection, but he is far from being frivolous. He’s sincere to everyone around him. That’s why I never insist on being the only woman by his side."

Hearing these words, Bei Tang Qian Xiao pouted, "You sure are open-minded. I don’t understand how you all manage to endure it."

Xu Nanzhi looked up, about to answer, but suddenly the unusual movement of a figure in the distance caught everyone’s attention.

"This aura isn’t right, it’s not from the Demon Clan. We can’t let him get away."

Bai Qiu was the first to react, loudly reminding everyone, and the next second, twelve Flying Swords behind Chen Mengmeng shot towards that figure at high speed.