Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior

"Trouble?"

Su Mu’s eyes flickered, recalling the matter with Gongsun Xin. Could it be Zhao Pingyuan seeking revenge for his nephew, Gongsun Xin?

Su Mu had anticipated this, but the swiftness of Zhao Pingyuan’s response was beyond expectations.

In a moment of quick contemplation, Su Mu’s expression remained unchanged, and he calmly took out the secret letter to read.

After a quick read, Su Mu raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding why Li Zhihe had specifically sent Zhang Ping to find him and urged him to keep his identity hidden.

Having gone through the secret message, Su Mu’s expression turned slightly odd. He had expected it right—the fact that Zhao Pingyuan had indeed taken action.

But things were beyond Su Mu’s expectations because the secret letter not only mentioned the affair with Gongsun Xin but also involved the Guo Family in Donghe Town, with Zhao Pingyuan blaming everything on Su Mu.

Simultaneously, Zhao Pingyuan classified the Taiping Demon Dao’s base where Gongsun Xin was staying as a good family, just as the Guo Family. This made Su Mu, who committed two cases of family massacre, a vile villain.

Though both incidents were indeed Su Mu’s doing, it was obviously a frame-up and conspiracy, albeit, Zhao Pingyuan mistakenly pinned down the right culprit.

The Guo Family’s people were indeed killed by him, Su Mu.

As for the secret letter at hand, it was handwritten by Zhao Pingyuan for Li Zhihe, with at least one more sent to Changfeng County. Zhao Pingyuan intended to collaborate with the Three Counties Demon Slayer Bureau to issue a primary wanted order.

Zhao Pingyuan sought to have the Three Counties Demon Slayer Bureau initiate a cleanup operation to fully capture Su Mu.

"Mr. Li, since you’ve seen the secret letter, you surely understand the current situation." Li Zhihe admired Su Mu even more for his calmness in such a situation, even showing a mischievous expression.

"I have another secret letter. The judge responsible for assessing the Golden Order Blade Catcher in Qingzhou has left Qingzhou... And this secret letter was delivered to me two months ago. I believe the judge will soon arrive at Cyan Cloud."

After speaking, Li Zhihe did not hand over the secret letter from Qingzhou. Upon hearing this, Su Mu quickly grasped the key points.

"Director Li, wouldn’t this news be considered unfavorable now?"

"Precisely, though on usual days, it would be good news for Mr. Li, at present it could be a death warrant if not handled cautiously." Li Zhihe spoke directly, pausing with a more solemn demeanor.

"Once Zhao Pingyuan solidifies the allegations, it’s pointless to discuss the Golden Order assessment, as Zhao Pingyuan might aim to use the judge’s hand to eliminate... Mr. Li, you."

Upon hearing this, Su Mu realized the seriousness of the situation, slightly narrowing his eyes.

"I indeed killed Gongsun Xin; perhaps everything is true?"

"Mr. Li is joking. As an official, I trust your character and believe you wouldn’t instigate such slaughter without reason. I suspect there’s hidden truth behind it, but Zhao Pingyuan has sealed the news."

"I only learned of everything from this secret letter, and the estate has long been sealed. My people are unable to enter; all relies on Zhao Pingyuan’s words alone."

Li Zhihe spoke without mentioning the Guo Family, both understanding each other. Li Zhihe’s stance was clear, choosing to side with Su Mu.

"Director Li, what realm is the judge?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhihe’s expression greatly changed, instinctively scanning the surroundings, "Mr. Li, be cautious, and do not act rashly. We’re far from reaching such a predicament."

"If confronted with the judge, then there’d be no turning back, nor any chance of survival."

Li Zhihe immediately advised Su Mu to remain calm, then began analyzing the current situation, revealing the plan.

"The Three Counties are not Zhao Pingyuan’s domain alone. I have refused his proposal and sent a letter to Director Xu in Changfeng County. I will dispatch people to Cang River for investigation under the pretext of verification, but there’s unlikely anything to uncover as Zhao Pingyuan must be prepared..."

"The next step is to await the judge’s arrival. By then, I’ll present the evidence collected and those Guo Family account books. Although rushed, it should suffice."

"As long as we take down Zhao Pingyuan first, everything will be cleared, and the judge will then vindicate Mr. Li. This incident might even help Mr. Li advance to the Golden Order."

"Before then, please avoid appearing publicly, and conduct affairs discreetly during these days."

Such a well-considered plan was clearly not conceived impulsively by Li Zhihe, whose attitude also demonstrated a firm intention to protect Su Mu.

This surprised Su Mu; typically, someone finding themselves in such a situation would hastily seek to dissociate from him and sever ties.

But Li Zhihe didn’t do so, instead devising thoughtful methods for Su Mu.

"If someone like Mr. Li were to die, it would be a loss for both Qingzhou Demon Slayer Bureau and myself, who holds private interests in aiding Mr. Li as well."

"If Mr. Li achieves the Golden Order and joins Qingzhou Demon Slayer Bureau, you’ll surely fulfill your ambitions; furthermore, I may need your support in the future, Mr. Li."

Having served nearly thirty years, Li Zhihe was astute, quickly guessing Su Mu’s thoughts.

"Director Li’s words are too kind; with such a comprehensive strategy, I will naturally listen to you." Su Mu wasn’t particularly inclined towards the Golden Order Blade Catcher. He now had the Jade Pendant from Qingzhou Academy and could assume a different identity to visit Qingzhou later.

Achieving the plan would naturally be best, but failing wouldn’t be crucial, only that Su Mu still needed to stay at Cyan Cloud for a while.

"Good to know Mr. Li understands!"

Li Zhihe poured a cup of tea for Su Mu, quietly relieved. Su Mu’s earlier question about the judge’s strength indeed startled him, unaware that Su Mu was merely curious rather than intending anything else.