Chapter 1127: Aged Birthday

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: Papatonks

Qiaoer and Gu Santong shared a look. Bald Demon was looking stumped as well.

[Why so all that spying was so he could join hands with the Palace Lord?]

[But arent I from the Devil Palace already? What joining?]

He always felt that he had been a double agent, only to find out he was just a simple one since both sides wanted to work together.

[What was the point of even doing all that then? So the two could mediate?]

Zhuo Fan paused for a long time, before shaking his head, I appreciate the Zither Sword Kings thoughts, but the time isnt ripe. Seeing sir so anxious, it will make our cooperation stifled. Fighting alone would be preferred.

Why the hesitation, Palace Lord?

Many reasons, starting with the empire still holding strong and would only prolong a war. Or in the case of a win, my palace will come into the light and draw the eyes of the other lands, putting us in danger. As for the most crucial reason, the odds are slim at best

Why do you say that? Zither Sword King shook.

Zhuo Fan said, The Invincible Sword.

Him?

Zither Sword King scoffed, Palace Lord, the old guy hasnt been around for a century. If not dead, then on his deathbed, frail and weak

Have you seen him?

Uh Zither Sword King paused at the question, hesitating, Baili Jingwei and the emperor are the only ones who know his condition.

The Zither Sword King nodded, True, hes not about to let it spread, especially when theres so much danger lurking about. Zither Sword King, they say youre quite casual, but now youre acting against this info. Is it on purpose or made so? Filled with nothing but hatred, youll be p.r.o.ne to anxiety and rash decisions. We shall not be cooperating, goodbye.

Zhuo Fan stood and walked out with Qiaoer and Gu Santong at his sides.

The Zither Sword King rushed, Hold on, Palace Lord! Thats not an issue. Ive waited for so long and can still wait for a few more years.

Sword King, you might say that, but that is your nature. To be frank, I dont want dead weights. A man that has no control over himself and only seeks revenge, can never achieve anything.

Then how can we cooperate? Zither Sword Kings eyes shook.

Zhuo Fan paused, Sword King, youre a smart man and should know that cooperation isnt limited to joining hands. Being on the same page will suffice. While our aims differ, our target is the same. Knowing this, you can tell how we can work together, ha-ha-ha

Zither Sword King was silent.

About that rhyme of yours, make another when you have the time. Zhuo Fan waved and left with his children.

Zither Sword King winced and sighed, Dark Demon Lord is so peculiar. Baili Jingwei has met his match again.

Sword King, so you

Bald Demon stuck to his side. But then his body turned into a b.l.o.o.d.y mist, drifting away.

The Zither Sword King relaxed his hand, no s.h.i.+ft in features at all.

You know too much

Father, how should we deal with that traitor, Bald Demon?

The trio walked among a busy street, with Gu Santong feeling annoyed as he looked back.

Zhuo Fan dismissed his worry, Thats no traitor, but a spy, one that hid for decades in my palace. Liu Mubai owns him and he isnt about to worsen our relations.h.i.+p over one small trifle. Liu Mubai is bound to clean up. Let others take care of their dogs and not undermine their authority.

Wha

He knows too much. Would you have left him around to leak the private meeting with the Devil Palace Lord if you were in his shoes? Ha-ha-ha, Liu Mubai planned on removing him the minute he was open about his intentions. Zhuo Fan grinned.

Young Sanzi nodded.

Qiaoer asked, Father, were you just talking about the rhyme that spread across the lands? It sounds like were trying to ruin the empire. Did Liu Mubai spread it?

Should be.

Zhuo Fan nodded, I picked up from his speech that he is fixated on seeing the Sword Star Empire burn and the rhyme came to me as a borrowed knife tactic. He knows we have the strength to oppose it so he let the rhyme spread and inflame the hatred on both sides. We couldve had no intentions for the empire for all he cared, because now were enemies for sure. Hes only working with us to make sure the Sword Star Empire is done for.

Sometimes, rumors are worse, especially one like this that gets on the nerves of a ruler. The two of us are now fire and water, on a collision course. I dont mind him doing this, but I hate being used. Thats why I mentioned the rhyme at the end to gauge his reaction, whether he was behind it or not. But also to warn him that I know and not to get smart with me. I have the final say and Im not about to play his game.

Young Sanzi and Qiaoer nodded.

Hey, did you hear? Dragon Cleaving Sword King is going after the Luo Alliance Leader in western lands. Do you think he has any chance?

A Sword King targeting the Luo Alliance Leader? Isnt that so low of him? He has his status to think about.

How is that low? They say the Dragon Cleaving Sword Kings decision has nothing to do with the two lands. Its to fulfill a thousand year-old promise. Someone brought him the lost painting and asked for revenge for the imperial family a century ago. This is their world. The four lands could know about it as well, but I dont think theyll intervene since its not about the two lands.

But hes the pillar of western lands. With him gone

And? Hes part of their world too and no one can run from resentments.

With the Sword King stepping in, even with millions of soldiers, the Luo Alliance Leader will die. Itll be childs play for a Sword King to get their head, go for him and not waste time on the soldiers

Right?

A particular gossip pierced Zhuo Fans thoughts.

Zhuo Fan shuddered and his brow tense, Danqing Shen is going after Yunhai?

Father, should I go stop him? Young Sanzi offered.

Zhuo Fan raised his hand, Somethings not right. Why does the whole world know of Danqing Shens plan to kill him?

Father, what do you mean?

Suspicion comes from trickery. Danqing Shen has always been quiet, while the one asking the favor wouldnt have let it leak to warn them. Celebrate after the job is done. Or is he so sure Danqing Shen can do it?

Zhuo Fan mulled it over and then said, Qiaoer, young Sanzi, find out the five lands reaction to this. Ill stop old Dan myself. I fear this was a trick all along.

The two bowed, Yes, father.

In Blackwind Mountain, the base of the Luo Alliance, the main hall was decorated for a special occasion, Alliance Leader Luo Yunhais grand birthday, oblivious to the imminent danger.

Experts and renowned guests came from all over, with every figure in the western lands present here. Even the nine sects were here to offer respects.

Luo Alliance Leader, may you live long and happy!

Sect Leader Li, come, sit!

Luo Alliance Leader, you give me much favor welcoming me yourself.

Clan Head Zhang, its only proper. Sir coming to my birthday is the real honor, ha-ha-ha

Luo Yunhai and Yueer were in front of the hall, greeting the many guests with a stiff smile.

He sometimes glanced at Yueer, giving a bitter smile, Yueer, is 150 years old worthy of an grand birthday? I said not to hold it but you insisted and now look how much a pain it is.

Whose fault is it if not yours?

Yueer rolled her eyes, giving him a sharp look, You wanted to wrest for power since a century ago. For that purpose, we need to make connections, and a grand birthday is the best occasion. Steward Zhuge said it himself, a small celebration every five years with a large one every decade. Making sure to invite all with renown in the western lands, increasing from one event to another while using the upright conduct of the Luo Alliance to sway the people. Sure, a grand birthday is a ha.s.sle, but you cant deny its effects.

These decades, not only has the Luo Alliance been growing swiftly, but dears voice has gained more and more weight in the western lands. Better than the Double Dragon Manor who stays closed up for years on end. I believe that the nine sects trust dear far more than the Double Dragon Manor. Steward Zhuges plan worked like a charm.

Luo Yunhais smile fell and nodded, Yeah, their work has excellent results. Luo Alliance has gained more and more friends. Im just sad that you have to go through the toil with me.

Dear, its my job. Yueer blushed with a sweet smile.

Luo Yunhai looked around oddly, Now where did that girl run off to now?