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Chapter 263: The Battle Begins
Chapter 263: The Battle Begins
Inner City.
Mystic Mechanism Pavilion.
After several years, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's presence in Yu City was no longer limited to its initial establishment. A large area in the southwest of the Inner City now belonged to the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's sub-branches, and it wasn't just confined to that single hexagonal building.
Furthermore, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's influence had spread throughout Yu Prefecture. Through coercion or enticement, numerous gangs in the outer districts worked for them, and their various businesses covered the entire city. Only the government-controlled salt and iron industries remained untouched for now.
Of course.
The Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's power in Yu City was far from being able to cover the sky with one hand. Although the Joyful Union Sect only appeared to run brothels on the surface, over the years, they had secretly gained control over many large and small powers within Yu City. After all, they might not be as skilled in business as the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, but they only needed to use desire to control those who were skilled in business.
At this very moment, within the main building of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, in a somewhat spacious room, numerous black-robed officials sat, including Guardian Duanyu Chun, who was seated at the head. Everyone was seated cross-legged on the yellow pear wood floor, with various account books placed before them.
"The income from the South District's restaurant last month was 21,214 taels."
"The income from the East District's restaurant last month was 17,781 taels."
"The West District..."
One by one, the officials were checking the account books for various sources of income.
The Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had indeed become a large and influential organization, with businesses ranging from restaurants to brothels, and from grain to textiles. The management was strict, and all account books were audited monthly.
Duanyu Chun sat at the head, not participating in the accounting and auditing. He listened as the officials organized the books, while several other black-robed Guardians of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion sat beside him, some leisurely sipping tea.
"What's the latest news from the Inspection Bureau?"
After listening to the various reports on the account books for a while, Duanyu Chun turned to one of them and asked.
Compared to the monthly audit of the account books, the current situation regarding the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Inspection Bureau was more critical. Although it had been seven or eight days since the incident, and the Inner City seemed peaceful, Duanyu Chun felt that the matter wouldn't be resolved so easily. Given Chen Mu's usual methods, it was unlikely that he would simply admit defeat.
Firstly, Chen Mu might not be able to trace the incident back to the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion. The operation was carried out by experts from the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, and it was almost flawless. Even though the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion and the Seven Mysteries Sect had a deep grudge, during this period, no one could be certain if it was a deliberate scheme by another party to stir up trouble. Unless Chen Mu could confirm beyond a doubt that the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion was behind the plot, he wouldn't recklessly seek revenge without any reservations.
Naturally.
A high-list expert on the Martial Hero Ranking wouldn't simply let such a serious incident pass without causing some commotion. Therefore, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had already prepared for the potential impact on their various businesses.
However, for seven or eight days, everything remained calm. Whether it was Chen Mu, the Inspection Bureau, or even the Seven Mysteries Sect, it was as if nothing had happened. There were no extreme actions, and no large-scale searches or arrests in the Inner City under this pretext.
Nevertheless.
Duanyu Chun had made various preparations. For example, he ordered all members of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion to act with caution. All officials and Guardians were to remain within the pavilion and refrain from taking any actions without permission.
"The Inspection Bureau has increased their surveillance on us, and we are indeed under their suspicion. However, the operation was flawless, without any leaks, so they won't be able to find any evidence."
One of the Guardians leisurely sipped his tea and replied.
Duanyu Chun nodded slightly and asked, "Do we have any news about Chen Mu?"
Another Guardian smiled and said, "There's no new information. He's probably still trying to get rid of the demonic energy. But once the demonic energy infiltrates the organs, even a Master would be unable to help him remove it. It can only be slowly worn down, and it will take at least ten years of effort to completely eliminate it. In the future, he won't be a concern."
"No, regardless of his current state, he's a Master who has cultivated the Heaven and Earth Concept and is on the Martial Hero Ranking. To say he's not a concern is an exaggeration. At the very least, we can't underestimate him. Once he recovers, he will surely stir up a storm in Yu City. It would be best for us to take advantage of the chaos and provoke him to fight with the Sky Seal Sect and the Coastal Pavilion."
The Guardians discussed among themselves.
The plan to use Xu Hongyu against Chen Mu had been successful, achieving the most basic goal. The higher-ups of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion highly praised this, including whether Chen Mu would suspect them and how to respond to his revenge. At least, the disciples below the officials were completely unaware of this.
Even if Chen Mu went crazy and turned Yu City upside down, searching for the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's branches, he wouldn't be able to find any evidence unless he recklessly attacked them without any proof.
But.
Even if Chen Mu was on the Martial Hero Ranking, the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion wasn't a small fish that could be easily caught. Not to mention the entire Seven Mysteries Sect; the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had never feared them. It was just a matter of making a move.
"You're overthinking it. I think Chen Mu, after being invaded by demonic energy, won't dare to act recklessly. He'll eventually slink back to the Seven Mysteries Sect... It was Brother Duanyu's ingenious plan that resolved a major problem for our Mystic Mechanism Pavilion."
"No wine here, let us use tea as a substitute. A cup to honor Brother Duanmu!"
A guardian chuckled and raised a teacup towards Duanmu Chun.
Although the plan was initiated by an official from below, the Sect's credit naturally went to Duanmu Chun, the one in charge. Surrounding officials hastened to raise their cups in a toast to him.
Duanmu Chun shook his head slightly, saying, "The matter is not yet concluded; it's too early to celebrate."
"What's too early? The overall situation is already under control!"
A guardian below smiled and responded.
Other guardians and officials turned to look at him.
Just then, a detached voice suddenly emerged from behind the crowd: "Oh, what overall situation is under control? I'd like to hear more about it."
This discordant voice fell upon the numerous guardians and officials, leaving them momentarily stunned. They swiftly turned to look, only to see a figure standing behind them, near the accounting area, facing sideways with a stack of account books in hand, casually flipping through them.
The room's atmosphere paused.
"Who?!"
"How did you get in?!"
The nearest Mystic Mechanism Pavilion officials, noticing the stranger's attire, instinctively shouted, filled with suspicion.
However, as the officials who had just rebuked the intruder looked on, the figure slowly turned around, revealing an unfamiliar, youthful face. A pair of indifferent eyes swept across the room, leaving a chill down the spines of the officials, as if a cold breeze had suddenly passed through.
Someone immediately recognized the newcomer, eyes widening in shock.
"You... You're..."
Although the New Talent Register and Gale Wind Rankings didn't have specific portraits, Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's intelligence network was robust, ensuring internal awareness of the Rankings' individuals. Even without prior encounters, some could identify him at a glance.
The young man, dressed in simple clothing, was none other than the widely recognizable existence:
Cold North's New Talent Register, First Place.
Gale Wind Rankings, 27th — 'Heaven and Earth Saber' Chen Mu!
How did Chen Mu silently appear in the central Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, without any prior disturbance or detection from the officials present?
Thud
Chen Mu gently placed the account book back on the stack, then directed his gaze at the Pavilion's officials and guardians, his tone flat: "Inciting chaos in Crystal State, embezzling resources, employing despicable tactics — is this the so-called 'great situation' of the renowned Mystic Mechanism Pavilion?"
The room was oppressive, with some officials exchanging fearful glances, their foreheads beading with cold sweat. Chen Mu's stealthy arrival was as astonishing as the Blood Shadow Tower's, implying that if he intended to assassinate, his targets would die without knowing how.
Yet, amidst the shock, someone's gaze sank, eyes flashing with a hint of cold light. Chen Mu's daring to appear openly in the Pavilion's headquarters was indeed too audacious.
"During the Great Dynasty's decline, with endless strife across the land, even the eleven states of Cold North are plagued by constant warfare. Only through unification can order be restored, and the suffering of the common people alleviated. The Seven Mysteries Sect, controlling one state, governing one region, may seem to have pacified a corner of the land, but in reality, it is the root of chaos. Mystic Mechanism Pavilion upholds the heavenly mandate, executing heavenly justice — is this not the righteous path?"
A guardian, fixing Chen Mu with a stare, slowly spoke.
Duanmu Chun rose, gazing at Chen Mu from afar, his tone subdued: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. What do you know of this? Since you've dared to enter alone, why not stay in Mystic Mechanism Pavilion?"
...
Outside
On the bustling streets of Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's headquarters in Yu Prefecture, people flowed to and fro, market stalls thriving.
Four years after the four Sects' arrival in Yu Prefecture, the region's situation had not deteriorated; instead, the underlying chaos had subsided, thanks to the numerous young, justice-upholding Sect disciples. The once-dominant, lawless gangs now kept a low profile.
In a tavern, patrons in long robes sipped wine, discussing in hushed tones:
"Have you heard? Lord Chen seems to have returned to Yu Prefecture."
"Lord Chen? Which Lord Chen?"
"Who else... I've said before, that Lord Chen is a dragon transformed by the winds of fortune. In just a few short years, he's become a Gale Wind Rankings high-ranker, rivaling Inspector General Yan."
"When did Chen Mu return? I didn't even know. Speaking of which, I have a distant nephew who once worked under Chen Mu. At that time, Chen Mu was just an official in the outer district."
Someone sighed as they spoke.
"With Chen Mu's current status, his return to Yu County is probably just to visit his family. If it weren't for my relative working in the Inspectorate, I wouldn't have known about this either, and he probably won't stay for long."
"Indeed, if it weren't for you mentioning it, I wouldn't have known. Chen Mu is now a legendary figure who appears and disappears like a dragon. From now on, we can only listen to his legends and anecdotes, and it'll be difficult to see him in person again."
A person sitting by the window sighed and raised their cup to take a drink.
But just then—
A deafening roar echoed from the distance, like an explosion, accompanied by a raging wind that swept through the nearby streets, causing chaos and leaving people and horses in disarray. Even the patrons inside the tavern were affected, and dishes and utensils were scattered everywhere. Everyone was filled with astonishment, and they all turned towards the direction of the noise, their faces filled with shock.
"What's happening?"
"Why is there such a loud commotion? That direction should be... the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's residence? Who dares to cause trouble at the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion?"
The tavern patrons and staff all looked at each other in bewilderment.
But then—
Boom!
Another deafening roar shook the heavens and the earth, followed by a detached voice.
"Talking is pointless."
"Let me see if the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's methods are as mysterious as you boast."
As the cold voice echoed through the streets of the inner city, the faces of countless pedestrians, patrons, and merchants froze. They all turned towards the direction of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, revealing expressions of shock.
Someone was actually confronting the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion?
Who had such a formidable presence and aura?
Swish! Swish!!
In the chaos of the streets, some figures leaped and soared, quickly landing on the high eaves of the tavern, gazing towards the direction of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's residence. What they saw was a shocking scene.
The tall, six-sided pavilion of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion was almost entirely collapsed, with only a small portion of the broken walls and pillars still standing. A figure stood atop the ruins, looking down at the scene below.
It was none other than Chen Mu!
Below Chen Mu, the collapsed pavilion was in disarray, with blood and severed limbs scattered about, creating a horrifying sight.
Among the ruins, figures of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's guardians, including Duanmu Chun, could be seen. Each of them had strands of Primordial Essence True Force intertwining around their bodies, and they all looked up at Chen Mu above.
"Damn you!"
Duanmu Chun's face darkened as he glared at Chen Mu.
Chen Mu, while inside the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, had acted without restraint, directly engaging in a fierce clash with the guardians, and the aftermath instantly killed many of the pavilion's disciples who hadn't had time to retreat. Chen Mu wanted to rebuke Chen Mu for his ruthless and fearless actions towards the younger generation, but remembering that Chen Mu was still under thirty years old and part of the younger generation himself, he couldn't bring himself to speak those words.
Hum.
Chen Mu stood on a broken corner of the pavilion's eaves, his face expressionless. He raised his hand and struck down again, unleashing a vast force of heaven and earth that transformed into a giant hand, woven with various lights, and pressed down with overwhelming might.
The Mystic Mechanism Pavilion had disregarded the rule of 'not harming family,' so he wouldn't bother explaining the principle of not bullying the weak. As for the Pavilion's ideals, he had no interest in distinguishing between their malicious and noble intentions. In any case, those who provoked him and plotted against his family would only face retribution through blood!
As the mighty palm descended, the gathered force of heaven and earth solidified, and the resulting palm caused Duanmu Chun's face to change dramatically. He hadn't expected that Chen Mu, afflicted by demonic energy, could still display such terrifying power with a mere wave of his hand.
The other guardians also revealed looks of fear.
But just then—
A voice echoed from the distance.
"Stop this madness!"
A figure in a black robe appeared, instantly reaching the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion. Before even arriving, he sent a palm towards Chen Mu, and in an instant, a visible palm print of freezing wind swept through, freezing the ground into ice chips that collided with Chen Mu's descending palm.
With a deafening roar, the remaining structure of the pavilion completely shattered and exploded, and amidst the scattered debris, countless wood chips froze into ice fragments that scattered through the air.
Swish.
Chen Mu's figure landed on the corner of a nearby building, his gaze falling on the newcomer. His voice was calm as he spoke.
"Frost Soul Blade, Situ Shu?"
Situ Shu, the Grand Guardian of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, wielder of the Frost Soul Spirit Blade, who had directly defeated the 'Fire Cloud Elder' and 'Red-Blooded Hand Rama' and many other formidable figures from the Cold North, standing at the 23rd position on the Cold North's Wind and Cloud Rankings!
(End of Chapter)
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