Stronger by Killing

Gu Shanyun fell into a wave of confusion.

The young woman gently patted Gu Shanyun’s shoulder and said softly, "Father, what are you doing?"

Gu Shanyun took a careful look at Gu Zhan again, slowly turned his head, and spoke softly, "Rou’Er, go investigate Gu Qianhu’s background immediately."

Gu Rou looked doubtful and said, "Father, you’re not secretly betraying my mother, are you..."

"Don’t talk nonsense." Gu Shanyun lowered his voice, "When our Gu Family faced a calamity years ago, the clan’s children scattered, and even now, there are many whose whereabouts are unknown. This Gu Qianhu carries our surname, and his appearance is similar to mine—it’s very likely he’s one of the Gu family children lost back then. His age fits those who went missing."

Gu Rou understood, and said with a smiling face, "Wouldn’t that mean I’ll get another brother?"

After that, Gu Rou quietly left the great hall.

Not long after,

The great hall fell silent, and everyone who was supposed to be here had arrived.

Gu Zhan directly announced the start of the conference,

and then he and Mo Beiyan took turns exchanging pleasantries, discussing the development of Pingyang Prefecture, and also talked about some bloody crimes committed by Demon Dao figures in Pingyang Prefecture.

The representatives of all the factions responded with courteous replies as well.

About half an hour later,

Mo Beiyan decided it was time, and spoke directly, "Everyone, you’ve all seen the materials the Embroidered Uniform Guard just released. The order in Pingyang Prefecture has been chaotic these past years. The Righteous Dao wants to clean things up but lacks the right opportunity, and there’s no unified system."

"So, after our Embroidered Uniform Guard submitted our recommendations to Canglan City, Canglan City issued a directive: Beidou Sect Sub-Branch will establish the Pingyang Martial Arts Alliance, maintain the order of Pingyang, purge the scum of the Martial World and thoroughly investigate hidden Demon Dao people. Our Embroidered Uniform Guard will handle the misc work and collect intelligence."

As soon as he finished speaking,

The faces of those in the great hall changed.

The Beidou Bang has always been the overlord of Canglan Dao, but it is not the ruler; each sect and group is independent,

For example, the Beidou Sect Sub-Branch of Pingyang Prefecture has always operated river transport, rarely interfering in the Pingyang Martial World—unless turmoil breaks out, everyone keeps to themselves.

But if the Martial Arts Alliance is established,

it would mean Beidou Bang will unify Pingyang Prefecture, and directly make all major forces subordinate to it.

Instantly, the Grand Elder of Lingxi Sword Sect said, "Sixth Young Master, actually, Pingyang Prefecture has only seen Demon Dao monsters occasionally in recent years, but overall, there hasn’t been any serious trouble. As for the few martial scoundrels that show up, we’ve dealt with them ourselves. There’s really no need to set up a Martial Arts Alliance."

"Yes, Sixth Young Master, the establishment of the Martial Arts Alliance is a major event, affecting everything," an Elder from Changfeng Valley agreed, "If the Alliance is established merely because of a handful of stray Demon Dao monsters, stirring up such trouble—it would only make a laughingstock of us and boost Demon Dao’s arrogance!"

"Exactly, exactly," someone else added, "Just a few Demon Dao monsters—how could they warrant us, the Righteous Dao Martial Arts, making such a big fuss? As for those Martial World scoundrels, in front of us, they’re nothing but rats in the streets!"

"Establishing the Martial Arts Alliance is truly inappropriate."

"..."

For a moment, everyone voiced their objections.

At the head seat, Gu Zhan’s face was impassive, saying nothing.

Mo Beiyan looked "troubled" and said, "Everyone’s arguments make sense, but this is an order from Canglan City. We can’t go against it. I’ll be frank—the White Lotus Sect is rebelling in the Northern Territory and still confronting us at Celestial Decree Pass. Canglan City has just received word—the White Lotus Sect is planning to break the deadlock through Yunxi,"

"So, the Martial Arts Alliance’s founding is very necessary. Pingyang Prefecture’s geographical position is unique. Canglan City wants to use Pingyang as a pilot. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have joined the Embroidered Uniform Guard. You all know what the Guard is like nowadays—I don’t need to explain. If it weren’t for Canglan City’s plan to establish the Martial Arts Alliance, do you think my father would have let me join the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

For a moment, the great hall was silent.

The authority of Dragon King Mo Jingzhou was unmatched in the Canglan Dao. Over the years, Mo Jingzhou rarely appeared and Canglan Martial Arts began to stir, but recently, Mo Jingzhou crippled Yundong’s Grandmaster in one move, decisively defeated Sword Spirit Qi Baiyu, and all those restless factions in Canglan Dao promptly retreated and hunkered down.

Mo Beiyan sighed, and said, "Everyone, this matter is pretty much settled. If not for me, this Martial Arts Conference would’ve been convened by the Beidou Sect Sub-Branch. Canglan City’s intentions are clear—Pingyang Prefecture is home to too many factions, with no unified point. Information and negotiations can’t be handled swiftly."

Someone spoke, "Sixth Young Master, the Martial Arts Alliance’s founding has too much impact. But if it’s just to facilitate joint action against Demon Dao, isn’t the Embroidered Uniform Guard enough?"

"Yes," someone immediately took the words, "Now that you lead the Embroidered Uniform Guard, any sect can pass the message to you. If there’s any Demon Dao movement, under your name, you can summon all the factions directly, so there’s no need to worry about this matter."

"Exactly, exactly, Sixth Young Master, the Guard can fully meet your requirements!"

"Indeed!"

"..."

The great hall suddenly erupted with noise.

Mo Beiyan looked troubled, saying, "But, what about Canglan City..."

At this moment, Gu Zhan, who hadn’t spoken, suddenly spoke, "Lord Mo, all Canglan City needs is to ensure united resistance against Demon Dao. As long as you rebuild the Embroidered Uniform Guard and restart the Guard offices in every county, it would serve the same purpose as the Martial Arts Alliance, and you’d have something to report to Canglan City—wouldn’t you?"

"Lord Gu speaks very well!"

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is more than capable!"

"Exactly, exactly, Lord Gu’s words are well-reasoned. It not only fulfills the Alliance’s purpose, but also avoids making us look foolish, as if the Righteous Dao Martial Arts fears Demon Dao!"

"..."

The major factions chimed in agreement.

Mo Beiyan had a troubled look, pondered for a long moment, and finally gritted his teeth and said slowly, "Since everyone feels this way, I can only answer Canglan City like this. If it can’t be worked out, then I have no way—at that point, you’ll have to argue it out with the Beidou Sect Sub-Branch yourselves!"

Gu Zhan chuckled lightly, "Lord Mo, as long as the Embroidered Uniform Guard is rebuilt and Hundred Households Offices are established in every county, and then all the factions in Pingyang Prefecture submit a joint request, even Canglan City will have to consider public sentiment, don’t you think? Adapt to local conditions?"

Mo Beiyan replied helplessly, "Then, everyone please sign your names and make a joint declaration. I’ll deliver it to Canglan City!"