“You babbling nonsense is one thing, but if someone overheard and took it seriously...
“Every one of those youngsters has powerful connections. Their influence is immense. Even Guan Xingxiu has been suspended. I certainly couldn’t withstand the fallout.”
Ji Hongdao cut in impatiently, “Both of you, enough.”
With that, the conversation between the two effectively ended.
Ji Hongdao’s status was clearly above Huangfu Song’s. At his words, Huangfu Song indeed fell silent.
He then instructed Li Fan, “You should return to the courtyard and wait for now. Another Soul-Gathering Pearl has been prepared for you within the Cosmic Token. Don’t slack off during this time; focus on contemplating it.”
“Thank you for the trouble, Senior.” Li Fan voiced his thanks.
Ji Hongdao waved him off, and Li Fan returned once more to the familiar courtyard, though it was hard to say whether it was the exact same one he had stayed in before.
Guan Xingxiu.
Recalling Huangfu Song’s earlier words, Li Fan’s mind stirred, and he began searching for information on Guan Xingxiu.
Commander of the Tianyu Province Garrison Command...
One of the candidates for the next Chief Commander of the Garrison Command.
Li Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking it over.
This so-called accident was likely just a convenient story. No matter how one looked at it, the whole affair reeked of conspiracy.
Heavenly Venerable Jicheng is stepping down as the Chief Commander of the Garrison Command.
The struggle for that position must have reached a fever pitch.
At such a critical moment, a major case erupts right in the jurisdiction of Guan Xingxiu, a strong contender for the role. It gets him suspended...
It seems some people have grown utterly ruthless in their desire for the Chief Commander's seat.
Hmm... wait.
This framing is too crude, too obvious at a glance. So, it could also be a 'Self-Injury Stratagem' orchestrated by Guan Xingxiu himself.[1]
First, withdraw from the eye of the storm and fade from view. Then, strike where least expected, achieving victory through surprise.
Of course, it's also possible the opponent is banking on that very line of thinking, brazenly planting evidence in plain sight.
Whatever the truth may be, so-called geniuses like Tantai Tao are simply crushed to death with ease before the true powers of the Myriad Immortals Alliance, just tools for attacking political rivals.
What does supreme talent matter in the end?
Once you're dead, it all turns to dust.
Li Fan sighed inwardly. He retrieved the golden Soul-Gathering Pearl and, with practiced ease, drew forth a soul.
1. One of the most famous of the Thirty-Six Stratagems. The core of the stratagem is deliberately injuring oneself or appearing as a victim to win the enemy's trust, lower their guard, and create an opportunity for a surprise attack. ☜