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Lan Ting didn’t understand what Lu Yang meant: “Both methods are feasible, but usually, the former is used. Killing people only requires the death of mortals, using too much essence blood from cultivators will affect their cultivation and is detrimental to future cultivation.”

Lu Yang thoughtfully said, “Then, the person who set up the formation would likely use the second method.”

The three were puzzled; the person who set up the formation must be a demonic cultivator, for whom killing people would naturally be more convenient than using essence blood.

“Who do you think has the capability to hide the Life-draining Array in small flags and finish setting it up overnight, using the cover of night so that even if people felt tired, no one would suspect anything?”

Meng Jingzhou instantly realized, “Someone from the government, and with high authority!”

Lu Yang nodded, “Correct, to be precise, the county governor!”

“What!”

This revelation shocked Barbarian Bone and Lan Ting, while Meng Jingzhou, having anticipated this, reacted less strongly.

He had said upon entering Yanjiang County that it was not uncommon for the government and demonic paths to collude.

“Last night, I heard from someone in the government that when setting up the small flags, City Governor Li personally supervised the process, insisting that the placement of the flags must be precise.”

“Does such a task require the county governor’s involvement? Even using the excuse of being dedicated and serving the people seems far-fetched!”

“This can only mean City Governor Li used the small flags to set up the Life-draining Array that covers the entire county!”

Barbarian Bone had a sudden realization, feeling the world was truly dark: “So, the undercover agent planted by the branch in Yanjiang County is City Governor Li. Given City Governor Li’s cultivation level and status, should we say it’s more of a partnership?”

Lu Yang shook his head, “Not an undercover agent, nor a partner. I suspect Helmsman Chu and City Governor Li are the same person!”

“Direct evidence I have none, but there are two suspicious points.”

“First is the timing of Helmsman Chu’s summons. It’s always at night. I and other stewards have inquired about this, and they say it’s not the same in other branches.”

“Second, both Helmsman Chu and City Governor Li are aiming for promotion, almost at the same time.”

Barbarian Bone gasped, the world was darker than he thought. If Helmsman Chu and City Governor Li were the same person, wouldn’t that mean playing both sides?

“Of course, they might be two different people; these are just speculations. But regardless of the scenario, the method to activate the Life-draining Array would definitely not be killing mortals!”

Barbarian Bone still didn’t quite understand, so Meng Jingzhou explained, “City Governor Li aims for promotion. If a vicious killing occurred during the Spring Harvest Festival, would he still expect to be promoted? Even if he had connections, those above couldn’t blatantly allow his promotion.”

“Moreover, with the status of the county governor, obtaining essence blood from cultivators wouldn’t be difficult; just pick a few cultivators from the prison.”

Lan Ting still had some doubts, “Are City Governor Li and Yizhang Hong setting up Life-draining Arrays a coincidence or related?”

“I think there’s a big connection.” After understanding the relationship between Helmsman Chu and City Governor Li, Lu Yang had new perspectives on many things.

“Not to mention the political impact on City Governor Li of capturing three Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivators, if there was no branch presence, a small county would have only so many Foundation Establishment stage demonic cultivators, effectively eliminating the leadership of demonic cultivators in a county.”

“After the Life-draining Array is activated, it might not be apparent at first, but over time, people are bound to notice something off.”

“If Yizhang Hong hadn’t acted first, the government would vigorously pursue the culprit, exposing both the Yanjiang branch and City Governor Li to risk.”

“City Governor Li cleverly arranged for Yizhang Hong.”

“With Yizhang Hong setting up the Life-draining Array first, even if City Governor Li activates the Life-draining Array and reduces the lifespan of mortals, the government would only focus on Yizhang Hong.”

Barbarian Bone was surprised, “But Yizhang Hong didn’t succeed.”

Lu Yang sneered, “Not succeeding was just Yizhang Hong’s side of the story. It’s entirely possible that he did activate the formation but messed up, only reducing lifespan without enhancing his cultivation. After all, it was an unfamiliar formation; anything could happen.”

Barbarian Bone still couldn’t understand, “But Yizhang Hong’s two companions could also confirm it wasn’t successful.”

Lu Yang said, “Companions? What companions do demonic cultivators have, they just use each other. It makes sense for Yizhang Hong not to tell those two the truth.”

“With such a ready-made suspect, who else would be suspected if not Yizhang Hong?”

“Moreover, with Yizhang Hong’s numerous crimes, he’s certainly facing the death penalty. Perhaps by the time the government realizes the Life-draining Array was activated, Yizhang Hong would have already been executed.”

“With Yizhang Hong as the target, who would suspect City Governor Li?”

Meng Jingzhou and Lan Ting nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Lu Yang’s perspective.

Lu Yang then asked, “Also, are there seven nodes requiring blood sacrifice?”

Lan Ting looked at Lu Yang in surprise, nodding without understanding how he knew. Didn’t he say he didn’t understand formations?

“Yesterday, when I left, I encountered seven stewards summoned by Helmsman Chu on short notice, probably for a task. I guess it was to arrange for them to take essence blood to the formation nodes and wait for the right moment.”

“This way, tell us more about the Life-draining Array.”

Lan Ting did not refuse and circled seven spots on the map of Yanjiang County, “These seven places are key to activating the array, near scenic spots in Yanjiang County, with the array’s core at… the mid-slope of Song Mountain!”

To breakthrough using the Life-draining Array, of course, a secluded location is chosen.

“Let’s remove some Life-draining Talismans first to prevent the formation from activating. However, doing so might attract Helmsman Chu’s attention. Rather than waiting for him to come to us, it’s better to lay an ambush and catch him off guard,” said Lu Yang.

Lu Yang was worried about a fight with Helmsman Chu, which is why he didn’t leave any record of their combat style in the memory orb.

All three felt the challenge, as it would be a do-or-die battle. Helmsman Chu, being at the late stage of Golden Core, was extremely difficult to deal with.

“Can we report this to the authorities, tell Fang Qingyun about it?” asked Barbarian Bone.

Lu Yang shook his head, “If Fang Qingyun learns about the formation on the small flags, he will definitely suspect City Governor Li. If City Governor Li gets caught, our identities as members of the demonic cult will be exposed.”

Lan Ting hesitated, “Just the four of us against a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, it might be difficult to take him down.”

Lu Yang was confident, “Don’t worry, we’ll be fully prepared. If all else fails, I still have a backup plan.”

“What is it?”

“Eldest Senior Sister Shape-Imitating Fist!”

Upon hearing this, Meng Jingzhou and Barbarian Bone’s faces went pale. Lan Ting, noticing their reaction, was puzzled, “What’s Eldest Senior Sister Shape-Imitating Fist?”

“It’s the ultimate technique of the Lu Family’s Shape-Imitating Fist!” Lu Yang said confidently.

Lan Ting nodded, somewhat understanding.

(End of the chapter)