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Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Gilding the Lily
"Patriarch, the messenger from the Purgatory Sect likely came to deliver a final ultimatum."
Gu Chaoyang clasped his hands and said, "Whatever decision you make, Patriarch, our Gu family is ready to leave Red Wind City at any time, willing to advance or retreat together with you."
"News from the family head?"
Gu Jinlai looked at him.
Gu Chaoyang nodded solemnly.
"I understand."
Gu Jinlai uttered.
He boarded a carriage waiting outside, and as the carriage moved forward, he observed the scenery on both sides of the road.
Compared to the dead silence when he first arrived in Lingxiao City, the city was now regaining some vitality.
On the streets, one could see the bustling flow of pedestrians and merchants.
Inns and stores had reopened, welcoming and sending off customers.
Since the three influential families that had been throwing their weight around inside Lingxiao City, as well as the Red Blood Demon Sect and devils lurking outside, had been completely eradicated, Lingxiao City seemed to have been reborn from its ruins, thriving once more.
"I want to be a good person," said Gu Jinlai suddenly as he gazed out the window. "Just like this, taking a city filled with oppression and anxiety and turning it into a prosperous and thriving place, watching it improve bit by bit under my hand, watching the once hurried and worried populace with smiles spreading across their faces..."
Gu Chaoyang paused for a moment, his body stiffening. Then, with solemnity, he said, "I understand. I will send a message back to Red Wind City right away and arrange things with my family."
"In this world, many people can’t stand to see us do well."
Gu Jinlai shook his head. "Yesterday, Su Nanxing came back after exchanging the Nourishing God Pill, and he also brought a piece of news."
He glanced at Gu Chaoyang. "Your Vice Garrison Commander position can’t be promoted any further, your spot has been taken away."
Gu Chaoyang was taken aback.
"Alright, now tell me more about this Elder Zhao from the Purgatory Sect who has come to us," changed the subject Gu Jinlai.
...
Meteor Star Guard Mansion.
Refining God Elder Zhao Qian from the Elder Hall was savoring his tea, waiting quietly.
Behind him were his younger relatives from the Zhao family, Zhao Haifeng, and his disciple Xiao Yulin, both young talents who had succeeded in Hugging Pill before the age of forty.
Soon, footsteps approached from outside.
It was Gu Jinlai returning.
Before Gu Jinlai could speak, Zhao Qian already stood up, smiling and clasping his hands: "Elder Gu, it has been a year since we last met, hasn’t it?"
"Elder Zhao."
On the way here, Gu Jinlai had already learned the basic information about this elder from Gu Chaoyang.
Within the Purgatory Sect, this elder had a good relationship with him.
Back then, the original Gu was able to successfully transfer to Changjun City despite Lin Xiao’s oppression, all thanks to Zhao Qian’s help.
The fact that the Purgatory Sect sent him indicated a certain stance.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gu Jinlai got to the point: "How does the Sect plan to arrange my situation?"
This question brought a smile to Zhao Qian’s face: "Exactly as I thought, Elder Gu is indeed leaning towards our Purgatory Sect."
He passed a seal order forward: "This is written by the Sect Master himself and has passed through the Elder Hall. Elder Gu, please take a look."
Gu Jinlai took the letter.
Being promoted to a Golden Robed Elder, he wasn’t too surprised.
But...
"Is there a need to dispatch an elder to go undercover in the city?"
"Yes, the Sect intends to make a move on Baihe City. Capturing this city would mean that the three cities directly under our Purgatory Sect’s control could be connected. Once this plan is accomplished, we can take further control of four more cities that have already been stabilized. At that time, nearly half of Star State will be in the hands of our Purgatory Sect," explained Zhao Qian with a smile.
The Purgatory Demon Sect already controls two cities in Star State?
Nonetheless, it was quite normal.
Gu Jinlai briefly recalled the map of Star State and quickly identified Yellow Rock City and Red Rock City.
These two border cities were not as important in terms of geographical location or population compared to Lingxiao City.
Gu Jinlai, looking at the information, asked, "This Elder Yang Kan is a Golden Robed Elder, just like me. I wonder, once he arrives in Lingxiao City, who will take precedence between us?"
"Lingxiao City is naturally led by Elder Gu," replied Zhao Qian. "But the battle plan for taking Baihe City will be primarily under the leadership of the Red Robed Elder Xue Wuqing, Elder Xue."
Gu Jinlai nodded.
The Purgatory Sect Elders were divided into three levels: black-robed, golden-robed, and red-robed.
Among them, the red-robed elders could be considered as reserves for the Elder Council, and once their cultivation broke through to achieve Divinity Transformation, they could immediately join the Elder Council.
The Elder Council was the true apex institution of the Purgatory Sect. Not just the appointment of the Deputy Sect Masters, even the Sect Master was decided through the discussions of the Elder Council.
"Elder Gu, Sect Master Qin confronted Lin Xiao directly to fight for this opportunity for you. Moreover, if you can ensure your loyalty to the Purgatory Sect and accept the appointment, Sect Master Qin has a way to make Lin Xiao apologize to you for his previous actions."
Zhao Qian continued.
"Apologize and make amends."
Gu Jinlai sneered, "It seems everyone in the sect knows to what extent Lin Xiao pushed me, they are going to make him apologize to settle the matter without me even speaking."
"I know you have suffered in this matter, Elder Gu, but in our vast Purgatory Sect, factional struggles are inevitable. Fortunately, Elder Gu has a lucky star above you, turning peril into safety time after time."
Zhao Qian smiled and suggested, "If you feel that an apology is not enough, why not help Elder Xue to establish great merit again? If you can lay the foundation for the Purgatory Sect in Star State, rising to red-robed rank is not difficult. By then, as a prospective Elder, you’ll have a say in the Elder Council. To ensure his re-election, the Sect Master won’t mind replacing Lin Xiao as Deputy Sect Master. If he loses the Deputy Sect Master position, wouldn’t he end up at Elder Gu’s mercy?"
The Elder Council.
Such a big promise.
"In fact, this news has already been leaked. Even if I don’t accept it, I probably don’t have much choice, right?"
Gu Jinlai said.
"It must have been Lin Xiao who leaked it."
Zhao Qian spoke emphatically, "The Sect Master’s original intention was for Elder Gu not to reveal yourself prematurely, so as not to alert Baihe City and affect our sect’s grand plan of assuming control over Star State."
"There’s no need for Elder Zhao to rush to explain." 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Gu Jinlai nodded, "I understand the Sect Master’s meaning. I’ll accept the appointment."
Zhao Qian’s expression changed slightly but still, he congratulated promptly with a clasped hand, "Hahaha, congratulations, Elder Gu."
He then continued, "Currently, Lingxiao City needs Elder Gu to be stationed there, to maintain the situation and prevent any challenges to legitimacy. Once the Star State matter is settled, and Elder Gu returns to Red State, I will surely have to treat you to a good drink."
"It should be me treating Elder Zhao."
Gu Jinlai said.
Zhao Qian waved his hand.
His disciple, Zhao Haifeng, quickly spread a backpack on the coffee table.
"These are Elder Gu’s daily elder clothes, Treasure Armor, Sabre, and Seal Order."
Zhao Qian displayed each item, "Please check them, Elder Gu."
These were the standard equipment for the Purgatory Sect’s elders.
The Treasure Armor was made of Cloud Silk Armor, an extremely precious material that, along with other materials, had been woven and refined into armor with defensive power comparable to anti-stabbing suits.
An ordinary person wearing it could be invulnerable to blades and spears.
The Sabre, on the other hand, was somewhat modest, just a top-grade Treasure Sword. After all, everyone had different preferences and specialties in swordsmanship and weapons. This Sabre was more symbolic than practical.
Gu Jinlai glanced over them and nodded, "Thank you."
"It’s only right."
Zhao Qian spoke then took out a box, "A few months ago, Elder Gu exchanged for a Nourishing God Pill at the sect. I’ve brought it back for you."
Gu Jinlai looked at the box.
The Nourishing God Pill.
Back in Changjun City, he had pinned his hopes of turning the tide on this elixir, but...
It was long in coming.
Indeed, adding flowers to the brocade is easy, but sending coal in snowy weather is hard.
"Thank you for your efforts, Elder Zhao."
"It was a minor matter."
The two of them exchanged a few more words, and Gu Jinlai also hosted a banquet to receive them.
The next day, Elder Zhao Qian and his disciples departed.
After Zhao Qian and the others had left, Gu Chaoyang approached him, "Patriarch, about the Meteor Star Guard..."
"The new garrison commander should arrive in another three days. Make preparations to welcome the garrison commander’s appointment," Gu Jinlai said.
"Patriarch, are you saying..."
"I’m accepting this appointment. They want to use Lingxiao City as a transit point, which is fine, as long as it’s low key. But if they expect us to help them attack Baihe City..."
Gu Jinlai said, "Just like how the Purgatory Sect could delay the delivery of a Nourishing God Pill due to various issues, it’s also normal for me, due to various reasons, to not be able to arrive immediately, right?"
