Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 152 - 152 151 Confusion of Becoming a Demon

152: Chapter 151: Confusion of Becoming a Demon 152: Chapter 151: Confusion of Becoming a Demon Hou Niao stretched out his hand, gently pushing aside Xiang Zhiwen’s tensely veined hand, trying to keep his tone as gentle as possible.

He didn’t want to provoke him, not because he was his superior, the Patrol Envoy, a titled cultivator; the only reason he did so was that this elder brother was a decent person.

“Elder Brother, is there really a need to be so agitated?

Maybe we have different ideals, but our brotherhood will never change!

We are both here for the sake of the Quanzhen Sect, for the common folk, just perhaps a bit more extreme in our methods?

Your magnanimity is vast, having someone under your command with demonic tendencies won’t lead you to retaliate or create obstacles, right?”

Xiang Zhiwen gave a laugh out of frustration, let go, and still muttered under his breath, “It pisses me off, not because there is a brother under my command with a tendency toward demonism, but because all the Patrols damn well show signs of it, leaving me completely isolated!”

Hou Niao was stunned, then burst out laughing, “You see, it’s not your fault, nor a lack of your guidance.

This place naturally attracts those with demon traits; no one else would come here!

Another place, like our neighbor Miao Gao Town, would be full of clear-minded people.”

Xiang Zhiwen gave a wry smile and shook his head.

His anger had dissipated and he had scolded enough, what more could he do?

This youngster’s last words were quite right, places like Yinling, including Bimu Hill and the Black Swamp, were not for those with a mild temperament or faint heart.

“Forget it, you youngsters.

When your realm rises and your cultivation period extends, you’ll understand that mere killing doesn’t solve problems.

We fundamentally differ from those ruthless real Demon Sects; no need to be pushed forward as this titular leader.

Why should we take the blame for the bad actions of our allies?

Isn’t that just making us a scapegoat?”

Seeing Hou Niao about to argue, he raised his hand to stop him.

There was no need to argue.

Their realm of cultivation was not high enough, their judgment not mature enough, why bother quarreling?

“Let it be, no more arguing.

You just need to remember, cultivation isn’t only about skills; it also includes the philosophy of life.

We are still at a low realm, with many deficiencies.

Don’t settle into a fixed mold or jump to conclusions hastily.

Looking, listening, and thinking more is the responsible attitude toward oneself.”

Hou Niao nodded seriously, “Rest assured, Elder Brother, I’m not a black-and-white kind of person.

I will weigh the pros and cons.

There are benefits to being cleansed, and thrills to giving into demonism.

Who can say for sure what the future holds?”

Xiang Zhiwen nodded.

Yes, indeed, within the Quanzhen Sect, nearly half were fence-sitters, indecisive between two powers.

Some really didn’t care, others wanted to understand the situation better before placing their bets, a common ailment in human society that cultivators cannot escape from.

“Regarding the flooding of Suqiu by you three, I’ve already reported it up to Jin City, claimed it was a decision made by my line of the patrol, that you had the right to adapt to the situation; it was a necessary choice.

Originally planning to dig a canal, but the dam burst couldn’t be controlled…

Since Suqiu is already flooded, and since the giant rat clan will be dissatisfied afterwards, might even take the opportunity to cause trouble, might as well go with the flow and solve it at once.”

Hou Niao broke out in a cold sweat.

This was the way of the Daoist Sect, essentially not much different from that of the Demon Sect, except that one blatantly forced its way while the other always carried a fig leaf.

“Elder Brother, will the higher-ups believe this reason?”

Xiang Zhiwen sneered, “Of course they won’t believe it; they aren’t fools.

But they will have to believe it because they also need a plausible reason, especially those in the Mu Shuai mansion.

The only trouble is, decades ago, there was an agreement between the Yinling town government and the giant rat clan, mutually supportive.

Later, that town government officer was promoted to the Mu Shuai mansion, and as a result, every year the giant rat clan has offered substantial resources to Jin City to maintain relations.

You, however, just took out the root of the giant rats, also cutting off their means of income, exactly like what you did in the Tianxiang Building!

Hou Niao, in cutting off people’s livelihoods, you really are a genius.

Do you know that such geniuses usually don’t live long?”

Hou Niao helplessly spread his hands, “I really don’t know, and no one has explained to me who I should protect or attack in Yinling.

Can you blame me for this?

Senior brother, which town government official is that?”

Xiang Zhiwen glared at him, “Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask!

What, do you want to stir up trouble at Mu Shuai’s residence too?”

Standing up, “The disposition of this matter will soon be decided, I estimate no more than half a month.

During this time, stay out of trouble and stop causing incidents, just keep to yourself.”

He took a few steps, then suddenly turned around, “Did you find any connection between Ksitigarbha Palace and Fang Family’s Castle?”

Hou Niao shook his head, “I have clearly stated the detailed process in my report.

Whether that skeleton is indeed amber, I cannot judge; what relation it has with the Fang Family’s Castle, I haven’t found any evidence, it is better not to speak of it.

I have already handed over the bee corpse to Fang Yazi for your scrutiny, you can take over from here?

And those bones…”

Xiang Zhiwen waved his hand, “I took over the bee corpse, Dou Gong and the others are comparing it now; as for the bones, I don’t want them, if you have a chance you can hand them to either Mu Shuai’s office or the Capital Commandant’s office.

Sigh, at least you know better than to speak carelessly about human issues at Fang Family’s Castle, this is good; remember, you must be careful in how you deal with ordinary mortals, otherwise, you will truly fall into the demonic path, never to recover.”

Hou Niao nodded, “Rest assured, senior brother, I understand.”

Xiang Zhiwen looked at him, his tone earnest and solemn, “We should leave space for mortals to correct their errors, sometimes it’s not necessary to do anything, their lives are brief, some things are destined not to last long.

We just need to cut off their external support, and with time, all will dissipate like smoke and clouds, violence should never be hastily used.”

Hou Niao bowed deeply, “Senior brother, your words are precious, I shall engrave them in my heart.”

Xiang Zhiwen felt very tired, and it wasn’t just because of this trouble-causing junior brother, but also many other things, multifaceted, that deeply entangle a person, beyond escape.

“Do you have any other requests?”

Hou Niao thought for a moment, “Not really, I just want to know, based on your experience, to what extent will Jin City’s punishment reach?

I mean no disrespect, just that the redirection of the White Ribbon River isn’t completed yet, I need a bit more time.”

Xiang Zhiwen sighed again, “It depends on the struggle between Mu Shuai’s office and the central military office, maybe, it also depends on which side the Capital Commandant’s office leans towards?

The central military office has limited influence in the matters of internal affairs, and you are not directly under them, so… if the Capital Commandant’s office doesn’t intervene, the probability that you will leave Yinling is very high.”

Hou Niao was indifferent, “To Bimu Hill or Black Swamp?

It’s all the same to me.”

Xiang Zhiwen just shook his head, truly, ignorance is fearless, “Do you think these are the most dangerous places in Shan Country?

Do you think Mu Shuai’s office lacks the power to transfer you to other major provincial branches?

Only when you go to these places will you realize that Yinling is heaven!

Boy, did you really understand what I said?

You have cut off people’s livelihoods.”