Translator: yikaii Editor: yikaii

Two golden core cultivators darted through Luofeng County at night. They were clearly familiar with the paths, skillfully avoiding the patrolling cultivators arranged by the county.

At this time, Li Haoran was awakened by Su Yiren. After she briefly explained the situation, his expression turned strange.

Has Senior Brother Mengs flaunting of wealth finally caught someones attention?

What do you mean flaunting? Cant I just tell people that Im rich? Meng Jingzhou retorted. Back in the imperial city as the Meng familys young master, who would dare target his possessions?

Su Yiren led the three, stealthily following the two golden core cultivators. As they moved across rooftops, Lu Yang glimpsed a shadow in the distance, moving similarly on the roofs.

Is Luofeng County always this lively at night?

Lu Yang wanted to chase after the shadow but saw the two golden core cultivators climb over a high wall into a courtyard. He decided to focus on the matter at hand.

If I remember correctly, this is the governors mansion? Li Haoran hesitated, doubting his memory.

While the five hundred thousand spirit stone Phoenix Blood Stone was indeed precious, it wasnt valuable enough to tempt a governor.

Unless there was more to the Phoenix Blood Stone Meng bought.

The courtyard was shielded by a formation. Proceeding without knowledge of its workings would alert those inside.

Ignoring the formation, Su Yiren smoothly led the group into the courtyard.

Master, we have returned, the two golden core cultivators respectfully addressed a middle-aged man standing with his hands behind his back.

Li Haoran had never seen the governor and didnt know if this middle-aged man was him or a steward.

The middle-aged man responded indifferently, Did you obtain the item?

The two cultivators looked ashamed, We encountered unexpected trouble. We feared causing too much commotion, so we didnt continue the theft.

Trouble?

Yes, at Li Haorans house, we ran into others trying to steal the same item. Though they didnt reveal their identities, I suspect they were sent by the Mo family.

Explain in detail.

The two recounted the scene meticulously. Unexpectedly, the master became furious: Hmph, you were deceived! Those were not Mo family members but disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect!

If Im correct, they are eavesdropping from the rooftops right now!

Since Ive said this much, you might as well come out. Lets have an open discussion.

Li Haoran was about to step out when Lu Yang held him back.

Lu Yang shook his head, saying nothing.

The master waited but no one appeared. It seems you did encounter Mo family members. Indeed, the Mo family also knows about the item.

He was merely testing them.

Yesterday, he had been informed by his subordinates that three Foundation Building Stage Dao Seeking Sect disciples had arrived in Luofeng County, one of whom was a local. He hadnt given it much thought.

But later that day, his subordinates reported that one of the Dao Seeking Sect disciples had bought an extremely rare Phoenix Blood Stone and was searching for similar stones in other shops.

The description of the stone had alarmed him, suspecting it was the problematic Phoenix Blood Stone.

This stone must not fall into the hands of the Dao Seeking Sect. If they discovered the truth, it would be disastrous.

He sent two subordinates to steal the stone, only for them to encounter the Mo family.

The Mo family, the most powerful in Luofeng County, opposed him, always seeking to undermine him.

Tsk, I wonder how that item got out. Did you question the shopkeeper?

The shopkeeper is gone. His assistants said he made a large sum, took his family on a trip, and wont return for a while. Only a few assistants remain to mind the shop.

How enviable.

What did you say, master?

Nothing.

The governor thought to himself that once this matter was settled, he too would take his family somewhere nice.

Whats the status of the mine? When will it be ready? We cant keep using the mine collapse excuse to stop miners from digging.

The mine collapse excuse could only buy so much time. In the cultivation world, high-level cultivators could easily clear a new tunnel.

He himself could clear a tunnel in half a day. Now, he claimed he had suffered a cultivation mishap and would be unable to act for half a month.

They say they need three more days.

Tell them to hurry, but ensure secrecy. This matter affects not just us but also the interests of the Phoenix Clan!

Yes!

Lu Yang and the others were stunned. The governor was colluding with the Phoenix Clan?

With the great era approaching, tensions between the Central Continent and various forces, including the demon clan, were intensifying.

Some demons wanted to go to war with the Great Xia Dynasty, while others sought to ally with it to face the eras crises, causing internal divisions between war and peace factions.

I wonder which side the Dragon and Phoenix Clans are on.

Lu Yang had heard that demon spies were infiltrating the Central Continent, planning to cause trouble.

Also, you know what to do with them after they finish the job, right?

The governor showed a reluctant but resolute expression.

The two golden core cultivators were momentarily confused, then their eyes showed a murderous intent.

Do you mean we should pay them triple overtime wages?

Yes.

The governor turned to see the two cultivators strange looks.

Whats with those expressions?

The cultivators tone was resentful, Master, youve never paid us overtime wages for night shifts, like tonight.

Even though they didnt need sleep, it wasnt fair to use them day and night without extra pay.

My wife is waiting in bed too.

Why should others get paid extra while they worked for free?

Ill pay you overtime too.

Master, what about the Phoenix Blood Stone?

Hmph, if we cant do it secretly, well do it openly. Tomorrow, pose as merchants and offer a high price to buy it!

How high?

One million spirit stones! The governor couldnt believe anyone would refuse a profit of 500,000 spirit stones.

The golden core cultivators hesitated.

Whats wrong? Speak up.

Master, that Dao Seeking Sect disciple might not need the money.

Then 1.5 million spirit stones! The governor was getting desperate. Two million spirit stones should be irresistible. (TL Note: The raws say 1.5 million then 2 million so i guess they mean 1.5 million profit)

Maybe still not enough.

Two million!

Still not enough.

The governor was furious, Then how much will it take? I refuse to believe a Foundation Building Stage cultivator wouldnt be tempted by two million spirit stones!

We heard the disciple is the Meng familys eldest son.

The words Meng family and eldest son together signified immense power and wealth, deterring most people.

The Meng family was the foremost family on the Central Continent, renowned far and wide.

Hearing this, the governors anger flared. Unfazed by Meng Jingzhous status, he declared, So what if hes the Meng familys eldest son? Ill steal it myself tomorrow night!

(End of the chapter)