0117 Colluding with the Demon Race

It was the sixth day of the grand examination, with only one day remaining before its conclusion. Without the aid of the curved blade, Jiang Feng’s score on the Ranking Board had already surpassed Teng Zhi, who was in second place, by tenfold. Even if someone else now controlled a powerhouse of similar caliber, catching up to him was impossible.

When the troops from Danya Prefecture arrived, the chaos in Kurian Street’s demon lair temporarily subsided. Initially, Jiang Feng had been assigned to the Shizi Street demon lair war zone, so he was expected to return there now.

Hesitating briefly, he applied to Captain Xun Xiaoran, the commander responsible for Kurian Street’s demon lair, requesting permission to visit another location before heading back.

So far, there had been no movement whatsoever from Pingluan Mountain on the Ranking Board. Every time Jiang Feng glanced at it, unease gnawed at him. Fortunately, Kurian Street lay along the same line as Zitong Forest, not too far apart. He wished to stop by and check on Pingluan Mountain’s situation before returning to Shizi Street.

Xun Xiaoran held Jiang Feng in high regard and naturally did not refuse his request. He even personally wrote a pass for him, just in case. After all, the entire Taicang City was in turmoil; with the city’s defense forces controlling it alongside external troops from Danya Prefecture, anything could happen.

Jiang Feng was deeply grateful, accepted the pass, and left. As he departed, Xun Xiaoran asked if he needed an escort. Jiang Feng thanked him politely but declined, as was proper.

He sped toward Zitong Forest, keeping an eye on the area outside the war zone along the way. The neighborhood was relatively quiet overall, with subtle signs of residents’ defenses visible here and there.

Jiang Feng’s pace was swift; he soon arrived at Zitong Forest. He had fought here for several days previously and recognized many familiar faces.

The situation in Zitong Forest was similar to that in Kurian Street, perhaps slightly better. He quickly gathered news about Pingluan Mountain.

Pingluan Mountain was unharmed, but four days prior, Hua Su had come, greeted the local captain, and taken him away.

Pingluan Mountain was a candidate, not a soldier of the city’s defense forces. His departure effectively meant withdrawal from the grand examination, and the captain had no authority to intervene.

In other words, Pingluan Mountain had withdrawn after only two days of the examination? And this was arranged by Hua Su?

Jiang Feng’s mind brimmed with confusion. Both Pingluan Mountain and Hua Su had placed great importance on the examination, preparing extensively beforehand. Yet now, Hua Su had taken Pingluan Mountain away?

What was going on? Why had he heard nothing about this?

He mulled over it, but retained strong confidence in Hua Su. Once certain it was indeed Hua Su, he exhaled, turned, and prepared to return.

Hua Su was a battle-hardened veteran, thoughtful and meticulous. If he had made such arrangements, there must be a reason. In any case, it was good that Pingluan Mountain was safe!

Without delay, Jiang Feng checked the time and hastened back to the Shizi Street war zone. Approaching, he suddenly stopped, frowning as he looked ahead.

A certain street corner, the sole passage into the captain’s office—Jiang Feng had to stop there to report to Captain Jin Zifu before returning. At that moment, a group stood there.

All were martial cultivators of considerable rank, dressed in immaculate black robes, showing no signs of battle. Their presence was incongruous with the city’s general atmosphere.

They stood silently as if waiting for something. Even in stillness, they exuded a profound sense of danger—ominous, compelling one to instinctively keep distance.

Jiang Feng’s vigilance rose. Perched beneath an eave, he carefully observed them without making a move.

Suddenly, the leader seemed to sense him, lifting his gaze directly toward Jiang Feng. Their eyes met; the man smiled faintly and saluted, “Lord Jiang.”

Dressed in austere black, his features were refined and elegant, even strikingly handsome. Yet upon locking eyes with him, Jiang Feng had to struggle to suppress the urge to recoil.

His eyes were fathomless black voids, radiating danger far more intense than those beside him.

The man spoke in a clear voice, “Lord Jiang, I am Shangguan Qing, serving at Yushui Prefecture’s government office. By order of the prefectural authorities, I request your presence to discuss certain matters.”

Jiang Feng quickly recalled an incident from a few days prior. At that time, having just gained control of the curved blade, a messenger from Wanqi Yu had come to escort him to the prefectural office, but he had refused, citing the blade’s instability.

Since then, no news had come from Wanqi Yu’s side—turns out they had been waiting here?

Lowering his gaze slightly, Jiang Feng replied, “I was assigned to the Kurian Street demon lair war zone and upon returning should report first to Lord Jin.”

Shangguan Qing flipped his palm, producing a letter of authorization, “No need. I have already reported to Lord Jin and obtained permission.”

Jiang Feng said, “This is during the grand examination; this is my battlefield. It’s inappropriate to leave at will.”

Shangguan Qing spoke smoothly, “Lord Jiang currently has a total score of eighty-seven thousand one hundred fifty-two points, more than ten times that of the second-ranked candidate. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the outcome is already decided.” He smiled slightly, adding, “Or do you expect some unexpected event to occur?”

His tone was gentle, each word seemingly persuasive, yet Jiang Feng detected an underlying firmness that brooked no opposition.

Suddenly, he leapt down from the eaves and nodded, “Very well, if this is Lord Wanqi’s order, I will go.”

Shangguan Qing smiled and saluted, “It is best that Lord Jiang cooperates.”

He extended a hand and began walking toward the prefectural office. When passing Jiang Feng, the latter jumped down and followed behind. A faint scent of blood wafted on the breeze, causing Jiang Feng to furrow his brow and feel a chill in his heart—human blood, and strong at that!

...

...

“The person has been brought back.”

“Oh?” Wanqi Yu, standing by the window, turned at Shangguan Qing’s report.

Shangguan Qing asked respectfully, “Lord, would you like to see him?”

Wanqi Yu patted his belly and laughed, “Honestly, I find this child quite interesting. Such talent, such luck, and even controlling a school-level demon to fight for him! However, forget it.”

He waved a hand, “Leave it to you to handle as you see fit.”

Shangguan Qing saluted respectfully, “Yes, I understand!”

He quickly exited. Wanqi Yu casually reached out and tore a letter on the table to shreds, muttering, “Just a teenager at the Dawn realm—one move would kill him. No need to bother.”

...

...

Upon arriving at the prefectural office, Jiang Feng was immediately taken to the dungeon.

The iron gate slammed shut behind him with a resounding clang. Glancing back once, Jiang Feng walked over to a pile of straw and sat cross-legged.

When Shangguan Qing had led him here, Jiang Feng had anticipated this outcome.

His conflict with Jiang Huaiming was actually an internal family matter, but now it was evident that Jiang Huaiming’s grand examination had become after-sales service for the Jiang family’s sold daughter. Jiang Feng’s clash with Jiang Huaiming had upset the Vortex Lord’s interests.

It was nothing major, but to them, Jiang Feng was insignificant—someone to be dealt with with a mere gesture.

Yet their timing was impeccable. In just a short while, Jiang Feng had traveled through Kurian Street, Zitong Forest, and Shizi Street before being intercepted and brought back. No one familiar with him knew his whereabouts.

Now he was merely imprisoned here, but the blood scent he had detected on Shangguan Qing had already put him on alert.

He closed his eyes, opened his consciousness, and whispered softly in his mind, “Ye Xiao.”

The dungeon was deathly silent, two jailers speaking quietly ahead.

Jiang Feng had noticed them upon arrival—both were Dawn realm warriors. Without the curved blade, he stood no chance against them.

After a moment, a white shadow silently passed behind the jailers, sneaking toward Jiang Feng.

One jailer sensed something and turned cautiously but saw nothing.

A rabbit no larger than a fist crept along the wall and paused outside the iron bars, tilting its head as it observed. Jiang Feng smiled and beckoned; it immediately traced an arc and leapt into his palm.

He had been busy fighting these past days; the Night Snack Rabbit could not always follow, but it stayed nearby.

Since Ye Xiao’s appearance, a mysterious bond had formed between them. Several times, Ye Xiao had spoken silently within his mind, offering hints.

This indicated that a part of Ye Xiao’s consciousness was with him.

Then, conversely, could he call it?

Jiang Feng tried—and indeed succeeded.

He exhaled and held the rabbit before him, whispering a few words, then set it back down.

The Night Snack Rabbit seemed unsure if it understood, rubbing its ear against his hand before slipping away silently.

Not long after the rabbit left, footsteps approached the tunnel entrance. Jiang Feng had barely heard them when the scent of blood hit his nostrils again. His heart sank. “They’re here!”

Sure enough, before long, Shangguan Qing’s voice rang out, “Both of you leave first.”

The two jailers immediately responded, “Yes, my lord.”

Moments later, Shangguan Qing stood before Jiang Feng. Dressed in black, he appeared like a ghost in the dim dungeon.

His voice was soft as he called, “Lord Jiang.”

Jiang Feng suddenly leaned back, laughing, “Don’t try to flatter me. You’re a subordinate of the prefectural authorities, a big shot at the prefectural office. Calling me, a mere entrant, ‘Lord’? If you’re going to pretend, at least do it properly!”

Shangguan Qing replied gently, “In this world, hierarchy isn’t only determined by age or rank but more so by strength. Lord Jiang can control a school-level demon, making it his servant—this is no common feat. Such ability surely merits the title ‘Lord.’”

With a slight gesture, the iron bars rose silently. Shangguan Qing stepped inside and bent slightly, “However, Lord Jiang, we would appreciate it if you could share how you control the demon, so as to dispel any suspicions of collusion with the demon race.”

“Collusion with demons?” Jiang Feng was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, “Just as I expected!”