"So, shall we adjourn for today?"

Having explained everything that needed addressing, Qiu Xiaoping turned her gaze towards the others.

"How boring!"

Xu Qingqi was the first to stand up and leave.

"Once again, welcome to Young Master Diao’s joining." Nian Jiachen also rose to take his leave.

"I’ll go urge the people below to hurry up with the inventory of supplies." The old Taoist, You Shouliang, also withdrew with a smile.

Everyone gradually took their leave, and Fang Yu naturally had no reason to stay. He said a word to Qiu Xiaoping and also exited the secret chamber.

The map in his hand resembled spawn points for monsters; today, perhaps he would be quite busy?

Qiu Xiaoping looked at Fang Yu’s departing figure and sighed.

The meeting today didn’t go as smoothly as she had hoped, but in time, there was no rush for now.

With this in mind, Qiu Xiaoping also left with large strides.

What puzzled Qiu Xiaoping most was, at such an important moment, where on earth had the Commander gone?

Even for a Minister-level figure’s involvement, not showing up was indeed inappropriate... Could it be there really was something more important than this?

...

Jiangxin Restaurant, Tianzi Elegant Room.

An elderly man with white hair was sipping wine and enjoying the scenery.

He took small sips, savoring every nuance of the exquisite wine in his cup.

And below the restaurant, the vibrant scene of ordinary people on Jiangxin Bridge was like an appetizer, bringing him peace and comfort.

"What a peaceful and leisurely sight, wouldn’t you agree, Lord of Mansion?"

The white-haired elder sipped his wine and spoke blandly.

The room’s door was slowly pushed open then.

A middle-aged man in white attire entered the room, closing the door behind him.

"Haven’t even entered, and you’re already mocking, quite displeasing indeed."

Seated opposite the elder, he uncovered a wine jug and drank straight from it until it was empty, then casually tossed it aside.

"Speak, what do you want from me?"

The white-haired elder looked at him.

"Have you heard the news from the Capital?"

"They’ve deployed troops, eh? Why, are you scared? Rest assured, your Rebel Army is not significant enough to be deemed insurrectionists."

The Master of Foolish Earth Mansion wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth and mocked.

"The Capital’s army is advancing southward, already crossing halfway; they might be coming for the Demon Capital, or perhaps Thunder City." The Rebel Army Commander glanced away from the Master of Mansion, looking down at the masses, and spoke calmly.

"No need to overthink, it must be for the Demon Capital!" the Master of Mansion affirmed.

"And after the Demon Capital falls? With demons hidden in the city, the Ten Pillars nurturing demons, how long do you think this can be kept a secret? Do you really want Thunder City to become another Demon Capital?"

Upon hearing this, the Master’s face turned sullen.

"I’ve already been to the Melted Heart Cave and acquired an original evil stone from the Land of Gathering Evil; the truth will soon be revealed, so there’s no need for you to say more!"

"A loyal dog indeed!"

The Rebel Army Commander sneered, mocking, causing veins to throb on the Master of Foolish Earth Mansion’s forehead.

"Don’t provoke me; although my power was compromised after visiting the Melted Heart Cave, with the original evil stone in hand, if it comes down to a fight, you know the outcome."

The Rebel Army Commander said seriously, "I have always come to seek peace. If you and I join forces, Foolish Underworld and the Rebel Army join hands, then we have the power to stand against the atrocious descendants of the Ten Pillars!"

"Then be patient! Until I have clarified the situation, I won’t have any dealings with a rebel like you."

"Then I can only hope you act quickly. The Capital deploying troops to the south is bound to elicit reactions from the Ten Major Families. Any overreactions on their part could lead to devastation in Thunder City, a situation neither of us wishes to see."

"...Hmph!" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The Master of Foolish Earth Mansion snorted coldly, stood up, and left.

The Rebel Army Commander merely turned his gaze to the masses below.

The sunlight streaming through the window divided his face distinctly into light and shadow, subtly adding a sense of chilling eeriness.

...

Bo Mansion.

Song Qianlong watched Bo Shan, who was now gleefully bouncing around, transforming from her former shrew-like image, happily chatting with her nanny, and a hint of a smile touched his lips.

But recalling the reports from his subordinates, that smile inevitably waned a bit.

The Black Rain Commerce had fallen.

The pawn just placed on the chessboard had fallen.

"Such a waste, Fa Xiao."

Hadn’t even been utilized yet, and due to internal power struggles, ended in such a state.

Song Qianlong’s eyes turned cold.

Even though the Black Rain Commerce still had other pawns to use, the Vice President’s fall still impacted some matters.

That was a rare, obedient and useful beast he selected.

It’s a wonder... how the Demon Emperor Lan Yuhe of the Demon Capital trains his wild dogs.

It’s said, former Demon Emperor Lan Yuhe seemed to have been just a human.

Song Qianlong looked out the window.

This time, he hadn’t come alone.

The Master of the Song Family, his father, had also come to Bo Mansion.

But his father had gone directly to meet the Patriarch of Bo Family, and he had no qualification to participate.

Song Qianlong narrowed his eyes.

His father always underestimated him.

But such underestimation was also his camouflage.

"Father, very soon, I’ll accomplish something grand, making you, the Song Family, and everyone in Thunder City, look at me anew!"

His gaze then fell on his first wife, looking at his wife’s now calm belly, the more Song Qianlong looked, the more satisfied he became.

This Miss Bo’s bloodline was purer; perhaps, the effect would be better than that of Che Xintai’s woman.

No rush, everything would wait until Che Xintai’s unborn child has come into the world.

Speaking of which, it’s just a matter of days now...

...

Inside the room.

Song Family Master and Patriarch of Bo Family, meeting after a long time.