Chapter 107: With Lord Duan Jiuzhang's Aid

"I am seventy percent certain that everything Feng Guan has gone through was orchestrated by someone behind the scenes."

"And..."

"The person pulling the strings may very well be targeting me."

"It would not be difficult to investigate my relationship with him back when I was in Lengshan."

"Feng Guan is nothing more than an ordinary commoner. If I choose not to save him, then his death would pass without causing even the slightest ripple. But if I go to rescue him, I will step directly into their trap."

Li Shun spoke slowly, a chill glinting in his eyes.

Hearing this, killing intent flashed through Li Qing's gaze as well.

"Who could it be that's secretly targeting you, Brother?"

Li Shun shook his head.

"I still don't know. Perhaps it is because I am the inheritor of the Spring and Autumn Brush, or perhaps it has something to do with the imperial blood flowing through my veins."

He looked at Li Qing and spoke solemnly.

"I was trapped in Lengshan for most of my life. Feng Guan can be said to be my only true friend. Now that he has been drawn into danger because of me, I have no choice but to save him."

"But this journey will be perilous..."

Li Qing waved his hand and said firmly,

"Brother, say no more. I'm going with you."

"I want to see exactly who is scheming behind the scenes."

"And don't even think about refusing. You've only just begun cultivating, and your strength is still too weak. Although I'm only at the Spirit Resonance Realm, if I truly fight with my life on the line..."

"Even a Grotto Mystic cultivator wouldn't frighten me."

His eyes brimmed with murderous resolve.

"Good!"

"This time, we brothers will go meet whoever is hiding behind the curtain."

Li Shun did not stand on ceremony.

"I'll visit Master and ask for some assistance."

With that, he strode quickly toward the magistrate office.

At that moment, Fang Xun had just finished dealing with the matter of the yamen runners extorting bribes and had been summoned to Sun Chengyou's side.

"The offending officers have already been dealt with severely."

Fang Xun gave only a brief report and did not mention that someone had been directing the affair from behind the scenes.

Without concrete evidence, reporting it would accomplish nothing.

Sun Chengyou nodded before turning toward the dark-skinned farmer standing beside him.

"If Lord Duan had not intervened today, your failure to properly govern your subordinates would not have gone unpunished."

Fang Xun immediately showed a look of alarm.

"To have received Lord Duan's assistance is truly this humble official's good fortune."

During their subsequent conversation, Fang Xun finally learned the man's identity.

He was Duan Jiuzhang, Director of the Bureau of Imperial Fields under the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

His duties included calculating agricultural seasons throughout the realm, cultivating superior seed varieties, and developing agricultural techniques beneficial to the people.

The dark complexion of his skin was not some deliberate disguise. It had been forged over countless years beneath scorching sun, wind, and frost.

In fact, he took pride in his rough appearance and had never once considered using divine abilities to conceal or beautify it.

Unlike those officials who enjoyed luxurious lives while seated high within the imperial court, Duan Jiuzhang spent his years among the fields and villages.

He ate alongside commoners and sat together with old farmers.

As a result, his reputation among the people was exceptionally high. Whenever the citizens of Great Qian heard the name "Duan Jiuzhang," they spoke it with heartfelt admiration.

Previously, Duan Jiuzhang had been in Fusang Commandery researching the cultivation of marine crops when he suddenly learned of the earthquake disaster that had struck Langya Commandery.

He immediately cast aside his ongoing work and rushed to the disaster zone overnight.

When he saw the devastation throughout Langya Commandery and the countless displaced civilians, grief filled his heart.

Duan Jiuzhang personally escorted refugees into Guling and disregarded all distinctions of status, eating and living alongside them.

His care throughout the journey not only preserved countless lives but also calmed their deeply terrified hearts.

Fang Xun was filled with respect. He cupped his hands and bowed deeply.

"Though you hold high office, you have never forgotten the fields. You traveled ten thousand miles to protect the people without complaint or regret."

"Lord Duan's character is truly a model for all officials."

Faced with Fang Xun's praise, not the slightest ripple appeared on Duan Jiuzhang's dark face.

His eyes remained sharp as torches as he fixed his gaze upon Fang Xun.

"This wave of refugees entering the region numbers in the millions. These two are merely the vanguard."

"You must properly coordinate their reception and settlement. Do not allow any further mishaps."

Fang Xun solemnly acknowledged the order.

At that moment, a yamen runner hurried in from outside.

"My lords, Li Shun requests an audience outside the office."

Fang Xun's expression darkened.

"Can't you see that the two lords are currently occupied with official business? Tell him to wait."

"Li Shun... the imperial clansman?"

Duan Jiuzhang suddenly spoke up.

Sun Chengyou nodded slightly.

"Interesting. I was just thinking of meeting this descendant of the imperial clan myself."

"Then let him in," Sun Chengyou instructed.

A short while later, Li Shun stepped into the hall.

His expression remained calm and composed as he respectfully greeted the three men seated above him without appearing either servile or overbearing.

"I have come to seek Master's audience so abruptly because I have no other choice."

Without any preamble, Li Shun recounted the entire story of Feng Guan's plea for help.

After listening, Fang Xun lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Sun Chengyou appeared thoughtful.

Duan Jiuzhang, however, let out a cold snort.

"Instead of thinking about serving the nation and benefiting the people, they spend their days employing these underhanded tricks."

His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, locked onto Li Shun.

"Let me ask you this. What do you intend to do?"

"It is obvious that someone has laid a trap. If you go, your life may be in danger."

Li Shun answered solemnly,

"Feng Guan and I share the bond of comrades who endured hardship together. Now that his plea for help has reached my hands, I cannot simply stand by and do nothing."

"Even if a mountain of blades or a sea of flames lies ahead, I must still venture forth."

Then he changed the subject.

"However..."

"This journey is fraught with danger, and my cultivation is still shallow. Therefore, I have come to seek a bit of fortune and protection from my elders."

"Excellent!"

Duan Jiuzhang burst into hearty laughter, his expression full of delight.

"To risk your life for a friend, this is righteousness."

"To recognize the danger and seek every possible advantage, this is wisdom."

"You already possess two of the virtues of a gentleman."

He glanced sideways at Fang Xun and teased, "Lord Fang, it seems your disciple has greater promise than you do."

Fang Xun lowered his head with a bitter smile, not daring to reply.

Li Shun also bowed humbly.

"Lord Duan overpraises me. This junior is undeserving."

"Yunguan County..."

Duan Jiuzhang pondered for a moment before speaking again.

"Very well. This old man shall accompany you on this trip."

"I'd like to see what those petty schemers are hiding in their gourd."

"Brother Duan, you..."

Sun Chengyou could not help but feel surprised at his decision.

Duan Jiuzhang waved his hand dismissively.

"Yunguan County lies within Zhuya Commandery. I happen to have official business there, so I am not merely joining in for the excitement."

Only then did Sun Chengyou relax.

He turned toward Li Shun, his tone softening somewhat.

"Since Lord Duan is willing to accompany you, this journey will be like driving a stabilizing pillar into the sea. Your safety should be assured."

Li Shun drew a deep breath and bowed in gratitude.

"When do you plan to depart?"

"I've always traveled alone and can leave at any time."

Duan Jiuzhang asked casually.

"Today."

"The sooner, the better."

Li Shun answered without the slightest hesitation.

"Youth truly acts decisively. Unlike those officials in court who endlessly dither over every little matter."

Approval shone in Duan Jiuzhang's eyes. Clearly, Li Shun's decisiveness suited his temperament perfectly.

Li Shun then turned toward Fang Xun and bowed.

"The journey to Yunguan crosses countless mountains and rivers. This disciple dares ask Master to lend me a few Moonlit White Horses."

Fang Xun explained,

"On our journey from Lengshan to this place, I carried him through the skies the entire way. We endured much hardship and exposure to the elements."

Upon hearing this, both Duan Jiuzhang and Sun Chengyou could not help but smile.