Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 115 - 86: Suppose I Were a Demon of the Xuantian Sect, Old Chen How Would You Deal with It?_3

Chapter 115: Chapter 86: Suppose I Were a Demon of the Xuantian Sect, Old Chen How Would You Deal with It?_3

But if everyone had disadvantages, it would indeed be an advantage for the Xuantian Sect because the surveillance power of the Yin God within the divine temple would weaken.

They could gain a period of time when no one would notice their actions.

Of course, they would ultimately be discovered. If they couldn’t win, they still couldn’t win. The only difference would be in significantly prolonging the time between ’action and discovery.’

And this period of time would be when the Xuantian Sect would act.

Zhao Xing said, "If I plan to capture you, I would definitely wait until November."

"Why? Isn’t there still a few days left in September?"

"It’s too late." Zhao Xing shook his head, "I’m taking you away, not killing you."

"The remaining few days are not enough for me to take you out of the Great Zhou territory."

"From Nanyang County to the borders of Great Zhou, it’s tens of thousands of miles. The Xuantian Sect members are not citizens of Great Zhou, so taking someone out requires discretion and no use of magic. Therefore, it needs time."

"Indeed." Chen Shijie nodded, "If I were to set a trap, it should also be in November, preferably at the beginning of the month. Please continue."

"After determining the timing, we have to consider the specific situation as well." Zhao Xing pointed to the map and said, "If you stay in the county town where the divine temple’s protection is strong, I won’t have a chance. The Xuantian Sect can’t take you from within the city."

It was impossible to forcefully attack the divine temple of a county town, at least not during this period for Great Zhou.

"So, what must I do to give you the chance to capture me?" Chen Shijie asked.

"In November, you will definitely leave the city at least twice." Zhao Xing said, "Once for the Start of Winter, and once for the Small Snow Solar Term."

"For the Start of Winter assessment, as the Minister of Agriculture, you must be present. For the Small Snow Solar Term, although there is no assessment, you will visit the towns to check if the Gucheng region’s seasons are normal."

"Correct." Chen Shijie nodded, "The Small Snow Solar Term could potentially lead to a snow disaster. I must ensure everything is normal. It makes sense to act during these two periods."

"After considering the timing, I must also ponder the manpower." Zhao Xing said, "Gucheng is a high-grade county with various departments in the county government, the Ministry of Criminal Justice, the Military Class Room, and the Inspection Bureau. Additionally, the East Lake Army stationed by East Lake needs consideration."

"You are a seventh-grade officer. To capture you, I need at least seven eighth-grade officers."

Chen Shijie shook his head and said, "Are you mistaken? You should consider me as a seventh-grade officer. The Xuantian Sect doesn’t know my actual strength."

Zhao Xing calmly said, "Even if I don’t know, I must prepare that much. Besides, your position as the Military Minister of Agriculture isn’t hard to find out."

"Capturing you silently would be ideal."

"If an unexpected situation arises, some of these people will stay behind to cover our retreat and divert attention."

"After capturing you, we will quickly use a shape-shifting and face-changing spell, seal your soul and powers, turning you and me into ordinary people."

"Then we will rely on ordinary followers to assist, using carts, horses, and boats to leave the Great Zhou territory."

Zhao Xing minimized the map of Gucheng and enlarged it to encompass all of Nanyang County.

He tapped lightly on the map and said, "Nanyang County has many waterways. As long as we get on a boat on the Canglan River and follow the current downstream, within a day, we could reach a border town a thousand miles away. After that, we can cross the mountains, and if we use magic there, we would be as free as the birds."

Chen Shijie smiled and asked, "That’s too idealistic. First, tell me where you think is the best spot in Gucheng to set an ambush."

Zhao Xing enlarged the map of Gucheng again and pointed at several locations, "Gucheng is a high-grade county and a major grain-producing area in Nanyang County. The grain production is concentrated in Shanggu Town, Old Grain Storage Town, Eight Water Bay, Sanpo Chong, and Pingtang Town."

"If you need to inspect, you will definitely visit these places, right?"

Chen Shijie looked and nodded in agreement, "Yes, ensuring the harvest for the people is the main duty of the Minister of Agriculture. These eight places are the major grain production areas, so I will visit them for sure!"

Zhao Xing said, "Then it’s one out of eight because any place might be used for action, and their locations aren’t too different."

Chen Shijie nodded with a smile, "You’re right. Your analysis makes a lot of sense."

Zhao Xing saw Chen Shijie’s expression and knew he had already thought of these matters, possibly even more comprehensively.

But for Old Chen’s safety, he added a few words, "The Xuantian Sect often employs people who disregard their lives and don’t consider cost-effectiveness. They usually send death soldiers who are nearing the end of their lifespan."

"So, I said seven eighth-grade officers are still too few. There may be even more."

Chen Shijie tilted his head and asked, "You never mentioned the other department officials and clerks, only considering the forces to capture me. If they truly act, fewer people will be assigned to me. The Xuantian Sect can’t have such sufficient manpower."

Zhao Xing saw Chen Shijie’s attitude and realized he had made an error in judgment due to his prior experiences.

Previously, the Xuantian Sect kidnapped not only Ministers of Agriculture but also officials and clerks of other occupations.

However, Zhao Xing inferred the real target was the Ministers of Agriculture, serving to brainwash them and create natural disasters within the Great Zhou territory later.

"Suppose I were the Xuantian Sect leader, I’d think capturing just you would suffice." Zhao Xing seemed to be arguing for the sake of arguing, "Mr. Chen, as a Military Minister of Agriculture Officer, your importance would warrant the presence of secondary sixth-rank officials. Capturing you would be worth more than capturing ten or a hundred clerks from other occupations, right?"

"Wouldn’t the resultant uproar be greater?"

"Alternatively, the Minister of Agriculture might be their primary target, and others are just incidental, whether or not they get caught."

Chen Shijie’s expression turned solemn. The previous analysis was within his expectations.

But Zhao Xing’s seemingly casual remark reminded him of a potential scenario. If it were true, had he underestimated the Xuantian Sect?