Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 632 - 632 631 Rectifying Order

632: Chapter 631: Rectifying Order 632: Chapter 631: Rectifying Order The An clan meeting ended inconclusively after some competition, as no results were announced, but one thing was clear: any cultivator whose Manifestation didn’t surpass Daoist Hou Niao would have no chance.

Everyone also understood that of the two True Disciple spots, one was already destined for Daoist Hou Niao; even if outsiders performed better, as an authentic Anhe disciple, Daoist Hou Niao’s networking advantage was undeniable.

As for the other spot, would it be chosen among the five outside guests from Wu, Qi, Zhou, Chu, and Yan Sects, or would another Shan Sect sword cultivator be added?

Master An did not appear, nor did he express any preference, which not only protected his favored candidate but also gave him a subtle license to encourage private competition among them.

Not living to see the day of announcement was the best form of elimination.

“This gathering felt somewhat unfinished, and it seems that carving scriptures is not your strength, Daoist.

Several of us wish to organize another demonstration and invite all friends from Anhe to participate.

What do you think?” Zhou Sect Daoist approached and extended the invitation.

The purpose was clear: they were dissatisfied with mere talking without action, as no one’s strength had really been showcased.

Since the An clan meeting didn’t provide that opportunity, they would just do it themselves.

One reason was to network with the many Anhe cultivators present and become known to them; another was to comprehensively showcase themselves, and thirdly, to determine the hierarchy among the main competitors, seeking a sense of psychological superiority.

One can imagine that the competition among these Daoists was secondary; first, they aimed to suppress the airs of this Demon Sect sword disciple, which was the main reason they invited him.

Hou Niao smiled faintly, “Thank you for the invitation, Daoist, but I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay long; attending this clan gathering has already delayed me enough…

Maybe next time, if fate allows, we will meet again.”

A trace of dissatisfaction flashed in the Zhou Sect Daoist’s eyes, but in front of everyone, he could not say much, “In that case, Daoist, please as you will.”

He didn’t bid farewell to Daoist Hou Niao; he didn’t want to cause her any trouble right now.

Such a gathering was meaningless.

What does showing off in front of others accomplish?

Does it solve any problems?

It only invites the wariness of Anhe cultivators and the hostility of those who think they are competitors.

If killing wasn’t allowed, such demonstration contests were child’s play, serving nothing but their vanity.

Seeing him leave, the several Daoists looked at each other in surprise.

They did not expect the usually competitive Shan Sect sword cultivator to back down, which was out of character for sword cultivators.

Wu Sect Daoist snorted coldly, “No matter, I know where he is, at Pingliang State, bordering Anhe.

I heard there are some troubles there.

Should we go and help him out?”

These were cultivators of significant insight and experience.

Even though they didn’t get the real facts from Master An, their subconscious would not relax their vigilance against this sword cultivator who was blocking their way to becoming a True Disciple of Anhe.

That’s why they were determined to organize another demonstration after the An clan meeting; even if it did not achieve their goals, they would not easily let him off.

The Chu Sect Daoist and Yan Sect cultivator exchanged looks, “Sorry, but I have no interest in wasting time on this…”

…

Hou Niao made his way back, this trip taking more time than he expected; hopefully, everything was still peaceful in Zhongqing City.

His earlier preparations were nearly complete, including his own investigation and assessments from various sources, including information obtained from Daoist Hou Niao; he already had an overall plan.

Some issues were better resolved sooner rather than later, as delays would be unhelpful.

Taking advantage of his return journey, he sent out letters of assistance from the Capital Commandant’s offices of several states surrounding Pingliang.

His aim was to resolve the troubles there once and for all.

Currently, he had three forces at his disposal; one was his old subordinates, the Lizhi Sea Pirate Group, who had followed him south.

They had been settled here for over a year, disguised as bandits who had robbed the Geng Ore Ship.

These people had left Lizhi Sea years ago but ultimately needed to return.

The advantageous situation in Lizhi Sea was hard-earned and should not be lightly abandoned.

Once the troubles here were initially resolved, he planned to send Fang Yazi to lead them back, so as not to let the night bring more dreams.

Another force was entrusted to him by Zhengxing, those deeply demonized Shan Sect sword cultivators; however, he always maintained a cautious attitude towards these men.

For him at this time, using this force would bring additional pressure.

At the very least, it would make others wary—being young and of mediocre realm, now gathering a private staff extensively—what are you trying to do?

Also, joining them at his current realm would shackle him and add unnecessary restraints; simply put, given his current realm, his status would not be high if he joined, and he was not someone who liked to be commanded by others.

This was a step that should come later, perhaps after Core Formation?

By then, dealing with these unruly sword demon disciples would save a lot of needless trouble.

Therefore, he had not contacted these people during his trip to Pingliang State.

He did not want to spend too much time trying to subdue them, nor was he sure he could.

Sometimes, sufficient realm and a certain prestige could save a lot of trouble.

With the Lizhi Sea pirates not being an option to reveal openly, and the demonized sword cultivators making him hesitant, he was left with the last force he could mobilize—the most legitimate force—co-opting personnel from the Capital Commandant’s offices around Pingliang.

This was his right, and his to use without question.

After sending several messages, he quietly returned to Zhongqing City and met individually with Su Lingyun and Li Shipeng to exchange information.

In the middle of the night, Li Shipeng came sneaking back.

“Capital Commandant…”

Hou Niao was pleased with the man’s acumen.

“Do you have truly trustworthy people?”

Li Shipeng nodded, “Not many, just three or five brothers who have been through life and death with me.”

Hou Niao spoke softly, “In five days, you take people to Dragon River Water Mansion.

Make sure not to leak any information.

I suspect that’s where the big thieves are hiding, so that’s why our Pingliang State’s forces haven’t found anything after searching…”

Li Shipeng’s eyes sharpened, not asking where Hou Niao got his information.

“You mean, scout out the situation and then report back to the central military office for them to handle it?”

Hou Niao smirked, “Of course, let them take the lead.

It’s their goods after all; they didn’t share much of the profits with us, so it’s unreasonable for us to be the ones putting our lives on the line.

But the Capital Commandant’s office will probably need to send a few people to show face…”

“When the time comes, we’ll just watch the show from the sidelines.

Don’t get too involved.”

Li Shipeng understood the delicate hint, “Understood.

Do we need to give those big thieves a heads-up in advance so they can also prepare?”

Hou Niao shook his head, “Leave that alone.

Your job is to point the clues towards Dragon River Water Mansion in five days.”