Chapter 21

Inside the hall.

The lamplight flickered.

"Offering a few villages as sacrifices is not a problem, but if we do this, the matter will no longer be containable. The Demon Suppression Bureau might send a玄阶除魔使 (Xuan-stage Demon Exterminator) over.

If we really encounter a powerful Xuan-stage Demon Exterminator, even if Blood Soul advances to the Grievance level, it will be very difficult to deal with.

Moreover, if it comes to that, my position as the magistrate of Lin'an City will be at an end."

Zhao Fang sighed, somewhat unwillingly.

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Mingyuan was unconvinced.

"Do you think that by not sacrificing the villages, the Demon Suppression Bureau won't notice any issues just because an apprentice Demon Exterminator died?"

"This—"

"In fact, from the moment that apprentice Demon Exterminator died, your position as the magistrate of Lin'an City was already at an end. But it's not a bad trade, exchanging a small magistrate position for the advancement of a Grievance-level Wraith. It's not a loss at all.

You've accumulated a lot of wealth over the years, enough for you and your family to retire safely.

Although your role in the alliance will be smaller without the position of Lin'an City magistrate, the Eternal Life Alliance has never neglected any of its meritorious members."

Zhuang Mingyuan consoled him.

Then,

He changed the subject, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

"Besides, you don't need to worry about the Demon Suppression Bureau sending strong reinforcements. I wasn't sure before, but now it seems that the Demon Suppression Bureau is indeed tied up."

Zhuang Mingyuan stood up from his seat, pacing to the entrance of the inner hall, looking at the moonless night sky.

"A few days ago, the demon faction sent many powerful beings to attack various regions of the Great Qin, fully engaging in battle with the Demon Suppression Bureau. That battle resulted in significant losses for both sides.

In the past, if an apprentice Demon Exterminator were to deal with a Ghost-level Wraith, there would usually be several of them working together.

Now, only one has come, clearly indicating that the Demon Suppression Bureau has few resources left to spare."

"Furthermore, since the last battle, neither side has decisively won. The demons and evil spirits in various regions are still tying up the Demon Suppression Bureau's strong forces. A small city like Lin'an might not receive much attention from the Demon Suppression Bureau.

After all, there are far more important places than Lin'an.

Now we just have to wait for Zhang Long to return with his report to see if Blood Soul has advanced."

Finally,

Zhuang Mingyuan turned to Zhao Fang, his expression suddenly becoming sinister.

"Or, Lord Zhao could go all out and sacrifice all the people of Lin'an City. With the blood sacrifice of ten thousand souls from Lin'an City, Blood Soul might advance to the Malevolent level.

You've been in the Eternal Life Alliance for many years but haven't made significant contributions.

If you can offer a Malevolent-level Wraith, it will definitely catch the attention of the higher-ups. At that time, you will get everything you want.

Even I will benefit greatly from it!"

Zhao Fang was greatly startled by Zhuang Mingyuan's words.

Sacrifice Lin'an City!

He had never even considered such a thing, and it had never crossed his mind.

Sacrificing Gu Yue Village was one thing, but sacrificing the entire city of Lin'an—

It was completely beyond Zhao Fang's expectations.

After all,

Although Lin'an City is just a small border town of the Great Qin, it has ten thousand residents. After serving as an official for many years, it's impossible to have no feelings for Lin'an City.

If he were to directly sacrifice Lin'an City, disregarding the lives of ten thousand people—

Zhao Fang asked himself.

He couldn't accept it.

"Lord Zhao, think about it carefully. Of course, if you decide to sacrifice the entire city, you need to act quickly. The news of sacrificing a few villages will definitely reach the Demon Suppression Bureau.

The Demon Suppression Bureau will not ignore the appearance of a powerful demon or evil spirit in any region.

Even if the Demon Suppression Bureau is currently tied up by demons in various regions, they will eventually have the opportunity to act.

After all, allowing a powerful demon to grow is a significant threat to the Demon Suppression Bureau. It's just a matter of when they decide to act, based on how big the threat is."

"I can't be sure about that."

"Since Lord Zhao has already prepared to leave, why not create greater merit for the alliance? I believe that a Malevolent-level Wraith, even if you don't make any further contributions in the future, will be enough to protect your family for generations."

Zhuang Mingyuan continued to persuade.

Even if the main credit for a Malevolent-level Wraith would go to Zhao Fang, as his partner, Zhuang Mingyuan would also benefit greatly.

Therefore,

He particularly hoped that Zhao Fang would sacrifice the entire city of Lin'an.

As someone who had long ago aligned with the demons, Zhuang Mingyuan had already separated himself from ordinary people. To him, the lives of commoners were no different from ants.

Zhao Fang lowered his head, his expression changing repeatedly, struggling internally.

He was considering Zhuang Mingyuan's words.

Although as a human and the magistrate of Lin'an City, his remaining conscience told him he couldn't sacrifice Lin'an City.

But,

After sacrificing Gu Yue Village and a few other villages, sacrificing the entire city of Lin'an didn't seem impossible.

It was just that,

Too many people would die, and he found it hard to accept.

However—

If one doesn't act for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy one!

Zhao Fang understood very well the benefits he would gain in the Eternal Life Alliance if he could cultivate a Malevolent-level Wraith.

Soon,

His struggling expression finally calmed down.

He lifted his head.

The usual calm and peaceful demeanor on Zhao Fang's face had vanished, replaced by a chilling coldness.

"Brother Zhuang is right. If one doesn't act for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy one. Since I have joined the Eternal Life Alliance, I should make some contributions. The people of Lin'an City will be honored to give birth to a Malevolent-level Wraith."

"Ha ha—"

Seeing that Zhao Fang had come to a decision, Zhuang Mingyuan laughed out loud.

At that moment—

Boom!

The main gate of the yamen was shattered by a powerful force, breaking into countless pieces.

The loud noise immediately caught the attention of the other yamen officials inside.

It also caused Zhao Fang and Zhuang Mingyuan's faces to instinctively change.

"Who dares to cause trouble in the yamen!"

"Quick, go and inform the magistrate!"

"You—You are Lord Shen!"

The sudden incident left the yamen officials in shock. Some immediately went to inform Zhao Fang, while others, after regaining their composure, recognized who had broken into the yamen.

When the yamen officials recognized Shen Changqing,

Shen Changqing also recognized them, the same officials who had been guarding outside Gu Yue Village during the day.

Seeing them draw their weapons and look at him warily,

Shen Changqing threw the thing he was holding forward. It rolled a few times and finally landed at the feet of one of the yamen officials.

"Zhang—Zhang Captain!"