Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 712 At worst, I'll just stop being human.

The angel's face instantly lost all color, turning ashen white.

He clearly had no idea that Liang Jin would dare to defy the Emperor's will so directly and without any room for negotiation!

This is not just a rejection, but a blatant contempt for imperial power!
An emotion mixed with shock, anger, and fear gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake, causing his body to tremble slightly.

His voice rose uncontrollably, becoming unusually sharp and shrill, as if someone were choking him.
"The... Marquis of Zhenxi!"

"You...do you know what you're saying?!"

He extended a finger, trembling slightly with excitement, pointing it into the void, as if emphasizing that invisible imperial power:

"The Black Dragon Dynasty is now stationed on the border, eyeing us covetously. The Western Desert is in grave danger and urgently needs the support of the imperial army!"

"You...you dare to refuse to pay taxes? Don't you...don't you fear that when the Black Dragon Iron Cavalry breaks through the Western Desert passes, the imperial reinforcements...will be delayed on their way because of your rebellious act today, arriving late?!"

This is practically a blatant threat.

The angels attempted to use the potential military crisis in the Western Desert as leverage to force Liang Jin to submit.

He stared intently at Liang Jin, hoping to catch a glimpse of hesitation or fear on the other's face.

however.

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin merely let out a very soft, yet utterly mocking and icy snort.

"Humph!"

That cold snort seemed to carry a tangible chill, making the temperature in the study appear to drop several degrees.

"turn out to be……"

Liang Jin spoke slowly, his tone calm, yet every word was like a knife:

"You are also aware of the current situation facing the Western Desert."

His tone suddenly shifted, taking on a condescending analytical and questioning quality:
"However, whether the Western Desert needs support, and whether it can receive support, depends not on the imperial court, but on—Emperor Zhao Yu!"

The angel was taken aback by this sudden counter-question, his face filled with astonishment and confusion:
"Marquis of Zhenxi, what...what do you mean by this?!"

Liang Jin finally stopped leaning lazily against the soft couch and slowly sat up straight.

Although his movements still seemed casual, as his posture changed, an invisible, heavy, mountain-like pressure began to spread, as if a sleeping lion had opened its eyes.

His deep gaze, like two drawn swords, pierced the angel's heart, causing the latter to feel a sudden pang of fear.

"what for?"

A cold smile curled at the corner of Liang Jin's lips:

"Then I'll explain it to you more clearly."

"When Zhao Yu first ascended the throne, his power base was not yet secure. How many eyes, both inside and outside the court, were fixed on his dragon throne? He needed a 'achievement' that could deter villains and solidify his imperial position!"

"And I, the Marquis!"

Liang Jin pointed to himself, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty:

"Leading a thousand miles of land and a million people in the Western Desert to voluntarily submit to the Great Qian! Who helped Zhao Yu accomplish this 'unparalleled feat' of expanding territory and subduing the enemy without a fight? It was this Marquis!"

"If he hadn't achieved this, could Zhao Yu have sat on the dragon throne as securely as he did later? Could his imperial authority have been established so quickly back then?"

He paused, looking at the angel's increasingly pale face, and continued, each word like a heavy hammer blow against the angel's fragile heart:
"And look at the state of the Great Qian Dynasty today! It is in turmoil, with rebellions breaking out everywhere, and the national treasury is almost empty due to ceding territory and paying indemnities! It can be said that the Great Qian Dynasty is now in a state of turmoil, riddled with holes, and the people are scattered!"

"At times like this..."

Liang Jin's voice suddenly became even more chilling:
"If you push me too far, to the point that I issue a proclamation declaring that the Western Desert has seceded from the Great Qian and declared itself a kingdom... guess how the world will view that? What kind of devastating blow will Zhao Yu's already crumbling prestige suffer?"

"What face does an emperor have to sit on the dragon throne and command the world if he can't even win over the vassal states that voluntarily submitted to him? How can he possibly gain the trust of those vassal kings and powerful ministers who already harbor rebellious intentions?!"

hiss--!
Upon hearing these words, the angel gasped sharply, as if struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, and staggered back half a step!
His face was completely devoid of color, twisted and deformed, filled with extreme terror and horror!
Large beads of sweat instantly seeped from his forehead and temples, sliding down his pale cheeks.

He had only thought about how to complete the tax collection task assigned by the emperor, but he never considered the issue from Liang Jin's perspective, let alone from the perspective of the overall situation of the world!
Liang Jin's words were like a wake-up call, or a sudden blow to the head, making him instantly see the cruel reality hidden beneath the surface!
Yes!

If Liang Jin is truly forced into rebellion...

Therefore, someone must bear the responsibility for losing the strategically important Western Desert, and the fatal blow to the emperor's authority that resulted from it!

Whether the emperor would worry about his position being threatened, the angels did not know.

But he was certain that he, the "angel" responsible for conveying the imperial decree but who had failed in his duties, would be the first scapegoat to be pushed out to quell public anger and to be executed as a warning to others!
At that time, confiscating their property and exterminating their entire clan would probably be the least of their worries!
The thought of that terrible end made the angel feel a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, his legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Liang Jin took in the angel's reaction, and his sneer inwardly grew even stronger.

He leaned back on the soft couch, his tone returning to its previous indifference, as if his earth-shattering words were merely casual conversation:

"So go back and tell Zhao Yu that Xi Mo doesn't care about his charity."

"As for taxes, the Western Desert is struggling to support itself and has no capacity to pay the central government."

"Whether to maintain the status quo and live in peace, or to force me to establish my own faction and make a fool of myself in front of the world... the choice is entirely up to His Majesty the Emperor."

"I have said all I need to say. You may return now."

After Liang Jin finished speaking, he didn't look at the angel again, but just waved his hand casually.

As if they had been waiting outside, the study door opened in response, and four guards dressed in blue robes, exuding a sharp and cold aura, strode in.

Their faces were expressionless, their eyes sharp as lightning, coldly fixed on the angel and the two trembling eunuchs behind him who were already terrified out of their wits.

Although no words were spoken, the invisible menacing aura and the implication of "sending off the guest" were already clearly revealed.

The angel opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something to salvage the situation or to defend himself.

But when he met Liang Jin's indifferent gaze, as if looking at a dead object, and the guards' undisguised cold stares, all his words caught in his throat, ultimately turning into a powerless sigh.

He knew that saying even one more word could bring him humiliation or even death.

He could only glance at Liang Jin with deep humiliation and fear, then, like a defeated rooster, he hung his head and, accompanied by two barely able-bodied eunuchs, slunk away from the study that filled him with oppression and fear, under the "escort" of several guards in blue robes.

The guards' footsteps were like a death knell, following closely behind them until they were "politely escorted" out of the Marquis's mansion.

The study returned to silence, with only Liang Jin and Leng You standing quietly to the side.

In Leng You's gaze toward Liang Jin, besides the usual respect, there was also a deep sense of admiration.

Not only was the poster a master of martial arts, but with just a few words, he forced the seemingly high and mighty angel to reveal his true colors and flee in panic.

This is the kind of man she would give everything to follow.

Afterwards, Leng You reported to Liang Jin on some internal affairs of the Green Robe Tower and the governance of various places in the Western Desert.

The report highlighted a group of newly recruited talents, including two rank-three martial artists who have passed the initial screening and entered the final review stage. If they can be successfully recruited, it will greatly enhance the high-end combat power of Qingyi Tower.

Unfortunately, despite offering extremely generous terms, they have yet to successfully recruit a single second-rank martial artist.

Even Liang Jin began to wonder if there were any other second-rank experts besides himself on this vast and barren western desert land.

At his level, although a third-rank martial artist is considered a powerful figure in his own right, they no longer attract much of his attention.

Only second-rank martial artists of the same level are worth his serious understanding and attention.

Subsequently, Leng You consulted Liang Jin on some major policy decisions concerning military, political, and financial matters, and Liang Jin gave instructions one by one.

As for the specific execution details, Leng You and his team have been operating very maturely and efficiently, so he doesn't need to do everything himself.

Once everything was agreed upon, Leng You didn't delay any longer. She immediately bowed and took her leave to carry out Liang Jin's various orders.

She is always decisive and highly efficient.

The study finally fell completely quiet, leaving only Liang Jin alone.

He did not get up immediately, but took out a brand-new book made of special material from his pocket, slowly unfolded it, and began to read intently in the last light of day shining through the window.

This was the result of Grandpa Lian and Liu Yuan working together and spending countless efforts to decipher the Dragon Armor Divine Book on the Jade Scepter.

Because it is a translation that has undergone complex decryption, it appears obscure and difficult to understand, with the meaning of many words and phrases being unclear and requiring repeated contemplation.

"Is this really the second volume of the 'Yin Fu Long Tui Jing,' which both the Youhuan Clan and the Daqian Imperial Family have been dreaming of?"

Liang Jin's fingertips brushed over the enigmatic words on the pages, his brow furrowed slightly, his heart filled with uncertainty.

The Yin Fu Long Tui Jing was originally the treasure of the You Huan clan, but it was later seized by Emperor Zhao Wuji, the founding emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, and then became a closely guarded secret of the Great Qian imperial family.

However, Liang Jin couldn't be sure if the book in his hand was indeed the second volume.

The biggest problem is that he has never seen the first volume of the Yin Fu Long Tui Jing!

Without a reference, it is impossible to make a comparison and confirm its authenticity and consistency.

The only relevant content he had come across was the section on the evil methods for creating "Yin Bone Puppets" recorded in the first volume, from which he might be able to find some clues to corroborate the information.

He calmed his mind and began to carefully study each word and sentence.

However, the deeper one reads, the more pronounced the furrows between his brows become.

"Something's not right... This manual feels too eerie..."

Liang Jin muttered to himself, his eyes filled with confusion and wariness:
"Is it really... just a martial arts manual that teaches people how to cultivate internal energy and temper their physical body?"

This wasn't the first time he'd experienced this strange feeling.

The last time was when Liu Yuan first taught him the "Mahagala Dharma Protector Technique".

That technique, rather than being a martial art, is more like a bizarre technology that deeply transforms the human body into a non-human form.

After practicing cultivation, his body did indeed undergo significant and peculiar changes.

And now, as I study the so-called second volume of the "Yin Fu Long Tui Jing" in my hands, that similar, unsettling feeling resurfaces!

It doesn't seem to be guiding practitioners along the path of traditional martial arts, but rather depicting a way to "transform" human life forms in some unknown and unconventional direction!

Liang Jin was certain that this was completely different from the Hundred Evils Body and also different from the state after absorbing divine blood.

It seems to be a new path.

"Should we... try practicing according to the methods described here?"

A dangerous thought arose in Liang Jin's mind, carrying both temptation and great uncertainty.

But just moments later, reason prevailed.

Liang Jin slowly closed the book, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"Let's...wait a little longer."

"To practice it rashly before fully understanding its details and potential risks is tantamount to feeding a tiger with one's own life."

"Safety is always the top priority."

Having recently experienced the painful lesson of three divine powers clashing within his body and nearly dying from "blood boiling and body collapse," Liang Jin still feels lingering fear.

Now he is being asked to cultivate a secret manual of unknown origin, with a strange nature, and which he has great doubts about. He dares not take the risk lightly.

Who can guarantee that the second volume of the "Yin Fu Long Tui Jing" will not cause some unknown, disastrous conflict with the "Mahagala Dharma Protector Gong" that has already been practiced?

If that's the case, he might not be so lucky next time and be able to escape from the brink of death.

Moreover, he already has enough martial arts techniques to practice and digest right now.

The wonders of ice and lightning in the Sacred Heart Manual are yet to be fully explored, and the higher levels of the Mahakala Dharma Protector Technique are yet to be explored... Trying to do too much at once will only lead to failure and may even result in going astray.

"Who could be the person who created such a bizarre and mysterious manual?"

Liang Jin rubbed his temples, lost in deeper thought.

The two volumes of the Yin Fu Long Tui Jing both originated from the mysterious underground palace of the Burial Dragon Ridge.

The Mahāgārā Dharma Protector's Kung Fu is inherited from the "Great Wilderness Blood Marrow Jade" that the Boundless Bright King Sect of the Western Desert has worshipped for generations, but the origin of the Blood Marrow Jade has long been lost in the long river of history.

What do they have in common?
It's an era! Extremely ancient!
So ancient that it surpasses most existing written records, existing only in oral traditions and scattered archaeological discoveries.

"To unravel these ancient mysteries, perhaps only those shamans who spend their lives studying ancient secrets and searching for lost history can know even a fraction of it..."

"If only the witch spirit were here with me..."

Liang Jin couldn't help but sigh, the image of that mysterious and knowledgeable sorceress from the Southern Continent appearing in his mind:
"With her knowledge, she can surely answer my questions and clear away the fog." "I wonder when Wu Ling will finally go to the Southern Continent to seek out the Great Sage Teacher's avatar..."

"If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have let her leave so easily. I should have tried to keep her by my side."

Liang Jin shook his head helplessly, a trace of regret passing through his heart.

But what's done is done, and there's no point in thinking about it anymore.

He could only temporarily suppress his doubts about the "Yin Fu Long Tui Jing" and put it aside.

They decided to wait until the witch spirit returned in the future, and then use her wisdom to clarify all the potential risks before delving into the subject.

"By the way, we can check the progress of the Mahakala Dharma Protector Technique."

Liang Jin's mind raced, and he thought of something else.

He remembered that when he cultivated this skill to the fourth level, his body had already undergone significant changes.

The skin and superficial muscles become exceptionally soft and extremely resilient, like a sponge saturated with water, yet incredibly tough.

Two round lumps, about the size of a finger, appeared on both sides of my cheeks near my ears.

Even more bizarrely, two toothpick-thick fleshy tendrils, capable of slightly twisting at will, emerged from under the skin near the shoulder blades, looking like both strange earthworms and insect antennae.

After that, due to being busy practicing other martial arts and handling many affairs, he no longer paid much attention to the physical changes brought about by the "Mahagala Dharma Protector Technique".

After all, before this achievement is fully realized, these changes seem to have little practical use.

Now that he had thought of it, he decided to personally verify what kind of surprises this extraordinary skill would bring him when he reached the sixth level and was close to the threshold of the seventh level.

Liang Jin held his breath and focused his mind on his dantian, beginning to slowly circulate the method of the "Mahagala Dharma Protector Technique".

The internal energy began to circulate along a specific, bizarre route that was completely different from conventional martial arts.

Soon, a strange feeling, as if flesh and bones were being kneaded and reshaped by an invisible hand, spread from the depths of my body!
"The change has begun... and it's even more dramatic and profound than in the fourth stage!"

Liang Jin felt a slight chill run down his spine.

He could clearly "see inside" that, driven by the technique, the position of his internal organs seemed to be subtly shifting, and his bones and joints were undergoing subtle adjustments and deformations that ordinary people could not withstand!

If this kind of change happened to an ordinary person, they would have already died from ruptured internal organs and dislocated bones.

But Liang Jin felt as if his body was temporarily "breaking free" from the constraints of normal human physiology and entering a more "inclusive" state that could accommodate this change.

He picked up a polished bronze mirror from the table next to him and held it up in front of him.

The image reflected in the mirror made his gaze freeze.

On both sides of his cheeks, the finger-sized lumps that had appeared in the fourth level had now swelled to the size of a fist!
Moreover, it was no longer a simple bulge. On the surface of the lump, several uneven contours were faintly visible. Upon closer inspection, the bulge resembled the brow bone and bridge of the nose, while the depressions resembled the eye sockets and mouth!

Those were two blurry, distorted, and grotesque... miniature human faces!
At the same time, a rustling sound came from the back of his collar, and two dark shadows "whooshed" out, twisting nimbly in the air.

Compared to the toothpick-like fleshy tendrils of the fourth level, these two things are now as thick as a baby's arm and nearly a foot long!
They are completely black, with a smooth surface, without any hair or scales, and when they twist and dance, they resemble two living... tentacles!
"No wonder...no wonder it is said that those who cultivate the 'Mahagala Protector Technique' to its highest level can manifest 'three faces and four arms,' like the wrathful form of Mahakala when he subdues demons..."

"It seems that this rumor is not unfounded, and may even be... somewhat reserved."

Liang Jin frowned deeply.

He wasn't actually that concerned about his appearance becoming strange and inhuman.

In this world where strength reigns supreme, he would do anything to gain greater power, even if it meant becoming a true demon.

At worst, I'll just stop being human.

What he was truly worried about was whether this profound and fundamental transformation, which was moving in a clearly "inhuman" direction, concealed some enormous hidden danger or terrible cost that he was unaware of.

According to legend, the "Mahagala Protector Kung Fu" requires the blood of a divine tortoise to practice.

Later, Liang Jin personally verified that as long as one had fused with the blood of a divine beast, one could cultivate normally; it was not necessary to have the blood of a divine turtle.

The fact that cultivating this skill requires the blood of a divine beast as a catalyst is itself suspicious.

What is the ultimate purpose of a cultivation method that requires external force to practice and leads practitioners to a specific inhuman form?
For some reason, the eerie image of the "Uncorrupted Corpse of Guixu," which had remained uncorrupted for thousands of years and was said to give birth to ghosts, suddenly flashed through Liang Jin's mind.

And the fragments of information that the witch spirit once mentioned about the "divine witches" and "ancient gods" that existed in distant legends.

These fragments of clues swirled and collided in his mind, but like trying to see flowers through a fog, they remained shrouded in mystery.

He could sense that the direction seemed correct, but he was still unable to penetrate the fog and see the whole picture behind it.

The frustration of not being able to obtain knowledge made him feel irritable.

He slowly dissipated his cultivation technique, and the various abnormalities in his body receded like the tide, returning him to his normal state.

He then picked up the enigmatic second volume of the Yin Fu Long Tui Jing again, trying to find some inspiration or connection in it.

When he finally snapped out of his daze from the obscure text, he found that the study was already dark.

Night had fallen outside the window, and the stars were faintly visible.

A servant tiptoed into the study and lit the candlesticks.

The flickering firelight dispelled the darkness and illuminated the respectful faces of the servants:

"Reporting to the Marquis, Bao Rui is waiting outside the mansion for an audience and has been waiting for quite some time."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin unconsciously frowned slightly.

This Baorui is truly like a plaster that's stuck on.

However, as he looked around at the deep night outside the window, a strange feeling welled up in his heart.

Now that Qingyi Tower has just taken control of the Western Desert, it seems to be enjoying boundless glory. However, in reality, it faces the Black Dragon Dynasty's army pressing in from the outside, and various forces within the country need to be balanced and appeased. Everything is in ruins, and there are countless political and military affairs to handle, like a tangled mess.

His capable subordinates were all extremely busy at the moment.

Leng You oversees the overall situation and coordinates all parties; Mr. Ding racks his brains to raise funds and supplies; Mu Zheluo reorganizes the military and arranges defenses; Yunlong trains day and night to improve the soldiers' combat effectiveness; Xiao Wan takes over the vast and complex intelligence network originally managed by Liu Yuan, sifting through massive amounts of information; the Seven Souls youths are in charge of criminal justice and public security, maintaining local stability; Luo Feng needs to compile a list of murders for Liang Jin and help him complete the [Thousand-Mile Tracking] special mission; Lü Yingrong has to deal with various affairs of the Western Desert martial arts world...

Everyone carried a heavy burden on their shoulders and was working tirelessly to maintain the operation of this new regime.

So much so that when Liang Jin came out of seclusion this time, apart from summoning Leng You, who was in charge of the headquarters, to understand the situation, he couldn't bear to disturb his other subordinates who were working hard at their posts.

This resulted in the fact that, at this moment, besides the guards and attendants on duty, he, the ruler of the Western Desert, did not have a single confidant with whom he could chat casually and alleviate his loneliness.

On the contrary, it is people like Bao Rui, who do not need to deal with serious matters and spend their days thinking about how to curry favor, who have the "leisure" and "shamelessness" to get close to him at any time.

"It seems... existence is its own justification."

Liang Jin suddenly realized something, a sense of understanding rising within him, tinged with a hint of self-mockery:

"There is a reason why these hangers-on, cronies, and jesters have been able to survive for so long."

"Even those seemingly dignified and powerful noble families, under the weight of heavy affairs and the loneliness of their high positions, may have a latent need for the 'usefulness of uselessness'."

He even began to understand the mentality of those kings and generals in history who kept a large number of scholars to discuss metaphysics, listen to music, and enjoy entertainment.

"That's fine."

A hint of consideration flashed in Liang Jin's eyes:

"Since he's come to us, let's see if this local bully has any other value besides flattery."

He never expected a villain like Bao Rui to have any loyalty or righteousness; he only cared about whether the other party could be used by him.

Since Bao Rui is so eager to curry favor with Liang Jin, Liang Jin has already given him the opportunity. If Bao Rui fails to seize this chance, then someone like him will never appear before Liang Jin again.

"Let him in."

Liang Jin gave a casual instruction to the attendant.

"Yes."

The attendant bowed, accepted the order, and quickly left.

Before long, a series of slightly hurried and frivolous footsteps approached from afar.

Bao Rui was seen almost hunched over as he jogged into the study.

He approached Liang Jin and knelt down with a thud, his voice filled with exaggerated grievance and fawning:

"My dear father, the Marquis! You've finally decided to see me!"

“I have been waiting outside the Marquis’s mansion since evening, watching anxiously. My legs are numb from standing, but I dare not leave for even a moment. I just hope that when you finish your business, you will remember this little something I prepared.”

"But we waited and waited, until it was completely dark and the moon had risen high in the sky, and still we didn't see you, sir. My heart was in turmoil, fearing that the carefully prepared banquet would get cold, and that the dancers would grow weary of waiting..."

"I had no other choice but to dare to request an audience. I have disturbed your peace, my lord. I am truly guilty and deserve to die! Please, my lord, do not blame me!"

"It is truly... I have meticulously prepared a banquet for your departure from the pass for my dear father, the Marquis. Everything is ready, and I am just waiting for you to attend so that I may do my best to show my filial piety!"

Liang Jin held his teacup, took a slow sip, and calmly looked at Bao Rui without speaking immediately.

A brief silence fell over the study.

For someone like Bao Rui, this silence is far more unbearable than a harsh rebuke.

He knelt on the ground, his head bowed low, feeling as if that calm gaze weighed a ton, making it hard for him to breathe. Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead and back, soaking his inner shirt, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

When he felt the teacup was almost ready, Liang Jin gently placed it back on the table, making a crisp clinking sound.

He finally spoke, his voice still calm, yet carrying a penetrating power that seemed to see through everything:

"Baorui, stop keeping me in suspense."

"If you go to great lengths to see me, just for a meal and a few dances, then you are far too disappointing to me."

Do you really think I, this Marquis, need your banquet?

Liang Jin knew that someone like Bao Rui, who was quick-witted and wouldn't act without self-interest, would never have the so-called "dinner" as his ultimate goal. It was just a pretext to hide his true intentions.

If this banquet is not worthwhile, Liang Jin will not bother wasting his time.

He can attend the banquet hosted by core members such as Leng You, Mr. Ding, and Mu Zheluo.

The others are not qualified.

Upon hearing this, Bao Rui shuddered, realizing that the Marquis had already seen through his little scheme.

He dared not keep them in suspense any longer, and hurriedly raised his head, his face plastered with an even more obsequious smile, even tinged with mystery and a desire for credit, and said repeatedly:
"No, no! Your Excellency is extremely discerning! How could my humble thoughts escape your discerning eyes!"

"I...I've racked my brains and gone through countless hardships to prepare three 'grand gifts' for you!"

"Originally, I planned to present them one by one at the banquet, when Your Excellency was in a good mood, to give you a wonderful surprise..."

"But since Your Excellency has such discerning eyes and has asked directly, I naturally dare not conceal anything further and will report to you immediately!"

He swallowed hard, lowered his voice, as if he were about to reveal some earth-shattering secret:
"This first gift is... a mine! A spirit mine!!"

Spirit ore?!
Even with Liang Jin's composure, upon hearing those two words, his hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and a sharp glint suddenly flashed in his eyes!

Of course he knew what "spirit ore" meant!
It is a very special mineral, and the finished product made from this mineral is called Soul Jade!
Liang Jin deeply understands the preciousness of Soul Jade.

To date, he has not been able to obtain many high-quality Soul Jade.

And now, someone like Bao Rui is claiming to have information about a spirit mine?!
Liang Jin put down his teacup and couldn't help but let out a meaningful laugh:

"Hahaha! You, Bao Rui, you're really slick!"

When Qingyi Tower took over Hanzhou City, Bao Rui was able to switch sides and successfully join Qingyi Tower by relying on the various secret intelligence he knew.

However, it is clear that Bao Rui believed that the benefits of providing intelligence to Qingyi Tower would be limited.

Therefore, he concealed the most valuable information and reported it directly to Liang Jin, the owner of Qingyi Tower, in order to maximize his interests.

Bao Rui, having his thoughts exposed, was not embarrassed at all; on the contrary, his fawning expression deepened, and he seized the opportunity to climb the social ladder.

"My dear father, Lord Marquis, please understand! I... I was just afraid that such a huge secret would easily leak out if too many people knew about it!"

"More importantly, my loyalty to you, my lord, is as clear as heaven and earth, as clear as the sun and moon! My only thought is how to better serve you and make you feel comfortable and satisfied!"

Looking at the obsequious man at his feet, Liang Jin's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible amusement.

He put down his teacup and said calmly:
"Very well! I'll grant you that honor and invite you to the banquet."

(End of this chapter)