Chapter 286

Xun Wuzi's expression was extremely unpleasant. He cast a gloomy glance at the Wuzi who had asked the question and sneered coldly, "Piao Sishi's assassination at the city gate is the guard team's dereliction of duty. It seems they've been living too comfortably. Since Lai Wuzi asked, they shall all be punished together."

Feeling the gazes of the other four Wuzi, Lai Wuzi, who had spoken earlier, gritted his teeth and said, "This is clearly the fault of Xun Wuzi's subordinates. How can the other guard team warriors be implicated?"

"Lai, you are mistaken," Xun Wuzi said, curling his lip. "The guard team has never been my subordinates but are the troops of the City Lord (Chengzhu). We are merely sharing the City Lord's burdens. Are you trying to privately claim these warriors and build your own power?"

Lai Wuzi's face changed, and he cursed inwardly. He had originally intended to use this pretext to make Xun Wuzi suffer a bit, never expecting him to be so shameless as to shift the blame onto the entire guard team.

This way, everyone would be punished together, and wouldn't the other Wuzi blame him for it?

Seeing the two at loggerheads, the two Wuzi behind them exchanged glances and wisely kept their mouths shut.

Strictly speaking, what Xun Wuzi said was not wrong.

The Wangu Zhi Cheng (Ten Thousand Bones City) guard team was originally the city defense force under the City Lord's command. However, in recent years, the City Lord had indulged in pleasures and rarely involved himself in city affairs. The Da Wu Dian (Great Witch Temple), using the excuse of sharing the City Lord's burdens, had divided the guard team into six parts, each under the name of one of the six Wuzi.

These six separate guard teams only took orders from their respective Wuzi, and the guard team under the City Lord had long existed in name only.

But regardless of the facts, the Wuzi indeed had not formed their own guards, and no one dared to admit they had built their own teams.

The City Lord and the Da Wu (Great Witch) are still here. Are you developing your own forces to rebel?

Thus, Xun Wuzi's proposal to punish all the Xuegu Zhanshi (Blood Bone Warriors), though utterly rogue, was paradoxically justified.

Seeing Lai Wuzi speechless, Xun Wuzi couldn't help but smirk. "I believe Lai Wuzi would never defy the Da Wu and the City Lord."

Lai Wuzi's eyes seemed to spark with fire. He wasn't foolish enough to be led by the nose—he knew what could and couldn't be said. But having to swallow this injustice was unbearable.

"The punishment can wait," a voice as smooth as water interjected.

Everyone turned to look at the strikingly beautiful face.

"Piao Sishi's death is a settled matter. For us, the welcome banquet ten days from now is the most important. Whether we can restore Wangu's (Ten Thousand Bones') honor and regain Shangcheng's (Upper City's) trust depends on this." He smiled lazily. "The punishment can be decided later. If everything goes smoothly, the City Lord might even waive it."

Xun Wuzi and Lai Wuzi's eyes lit up simultaneously.

"Zhao Wuzi is right. Let's first arrange the matters regarding the Shizhe Tuan's (Envoy Group's) arrival at Wangu."

The other Wuzi also hurriedly smoothed things over and changed the subject.

The supplies allocated to the guard team were issued in the City Lord's name, but most ended up in their pockets. No one wanted to be punished; it was best to drop the matter.

Speaking of the banquet days later, Lai Wuzi's expression finally improved. As if remembering something, he smiled triumphantly at Xun Wuzi.

This time, because Xun had made a mistake, the Da Wu had specifically entrusted the heavy responsibility of Shou Cheng (Guarding the City) to him. Until the Shizhe Tuan arrived at Wangu, everyone had to follow his commands.

Since Xun wouldn't let him off easy, don't blame him for being merciless.

Qi Bai had thought today's greatest gain was seeing the Da Wu of Wangu Zhi Cheng. He noted the direction the Da Wu had left and planned to check it out after the meeting dispersed.

But he hadn't expected an unexpected bonus: these six Wuzi staying behind was actually to arrange the city's defenses.

"...The road connecting to the city from the west will be patrolled by Xun Wuzi and the guard team. This road is crucial. Set out today and ensure all surrounding Yeshou (wild beasts) are cleared within nine days."

"T...today?!"

As soon as the words fell, someone beside Qi Bai exclaimed in shock.

It was so cold now; there were no Yeshou outside. Going out now meant pure suffering. And why were they being sent out for nine days? Such patrols should have rotations.

"If we leave the city, what about the defense of the city gate?"

A Shouren (Beastman) boldly asked.

"Everyone should know by now that Piao Sishi was assassinated at the city gate some time ago. Guarding the gate is now the most dangerous task in the city." Lai Wuzi looked at him, feigning sympathy. "You can leave without worry. I will personally lead Zhanshi (Warriors) to guard the city gate. The same thing will not happen again."

Xun Wuzi's temples throbbed. Recently, it had been his guard team's turn to guard the city gate. He had been hoping to extort more supplies from the Pinminku (Slum/Poor Quarter) Shouren during this time, but Lai was sidelining him and replacing them with his own men.

The most infuriating part was that after Lai said this, he couldn't refute it and had to grit his teeth and agree.

Next, Xun Wuzi watched helplessly as Lai Wuzi took all the profitable tasks for himself and dumped all the thankless, unprofitable chores on him.

He had never suffered such indignity. He barely endured until the meeting ended, then snorted coldly and left the main hall entrance without looking back.

Sun (Falcon/Hawk) waited below for his Wuzi. The two walked toward the Da Wu Dian's exit. Seizing the moment when no one was around, Sun looked puzzledly at Zhao. "Wuzi, why did you help Xun Wuzi out of trouble?"

Among the six Wuzi in the city, Xun Wuzi was the Da Wu's favorite. The other three Wuzi were wavering. If they could use this opportunity to make Xun offend the others, it would be most beneficial for them.

Zhao's eyes lifted slightly. "It's just arranging the city's defenses for ten days later. Why do you think the Da Wu summoned everyone to the Da Wu Dian?"

Sun was incredulous. "The Da Wu is helping Xun Wuzi?"

"Even you know Xun is the Da Wu's favorite Wuzi," Zhao said with a mocking smile. "I just didn't expect him to be so biased toward Xun."

Well, the Da Wu had, after all, campaigned with that person. The death of a mere Sishi probably meant nothing to him.

Sun was somewhat worried. Ke Sishi was unreliable, and now the Da Wu was stepping in personally. Things were progressing more difficultly than they had imagined.

Seeing Sun's anxiety, Zhao's expression remained calm. "Lai has always believed he is the purest Egu Shouren (Evil Bone Beastman). Since he's willing to fight with Xun, let's add fuel to the fire and let them keep fighting. Opportunities will come."

Suddenly, noise erupted ahead.

Sun summoned a guard. "What's happening ahead?"

The guard replied, "Xun Wuzi stopped several Huduizhang (Guard Captains) and is venting his anger there."

Zhao didn't want to bother with Xun's drama. He put on his hood and said to the guard, "Gather our men and return."

"Yes."

However, as they passed the center of the commotion, Zhao raised an eyebrow and suddenly changed direction.

"I told you to make me a stool. Did you hear me or not?" Not getting a response, Xun Wuzi's voice rose several pitches. "Someone, press him down!"

"What matter has made Xun Wuzi so angry?"

Xun Wuzi turned and, seeing it was Zhao Wuzi, relaxed slightly. "Who knows whose guard this is? Trained so poorly, he can't even make a stool."

The surrounding Huduizhang who hadn't left yet shook their heads secretly. Lying on the ground to serve as a stool was something only Nuli (Slaves) did. Anyone could see Xun Wuzi was deliberately picking on that Shouren.

They didn't recognize the tall Shouren, but judging by his attire, he should be Lai Wuzi's subordinate.

Qi Bai frowned.

The assembly had ended, and before they could leave, the Gushu Shouren (Ancient Tree Beastman) had been called out.

Qi Bai recognized the other party—this was the Xun Wuzi they had seen at the city gate. Qi Bai didn't know their clothing had caused a misunderstanding, making them unwitting scapegoats for Xun Wuzi's rage.

The Gushu Shouren stood straight, showing no intention of complying with Xun Wuzi's wishes.

Lang Ze Wolf Ze gave Qi Bai a look. There were too many people here; they couldn't expose themselves. Now with another Wuzi added, if absolutely necessary, he would create some chaos for them to escape in the confusion.

Qi Bai signaled to Lang Ze that he understood. He would be responsible for alerting the Gushu Shouren later.

Qi Bai and Lang Ze arranged their escape plan, ready to act while the two were talking.

But the next moment, they heard Zhao Wuzi say somewhat awkwardly, "This is my guard. They are usually quite proud. If Xun Wuzi needs a stool, perhaps I can find some Nuli for you."

Xun Wuzi turned and scrutinized the tall, sturdy Shouren again, his expression unreadable. "Really your guard?"

"Of course," Zhao Wuzi replied, then looked at the Gushu Shouren meaningfully. "Where did you get these clothes? Even I almost didn't recognize you, let alone Xun Wuzi."

Qi Bai and Lang Ze immediately halted their movements. Their hearts sank simultaneously.

The Gushu Shouren had been discovered.

Xun Wuzi completely missed Zhao Wuzi's double meaning. He waved his hand dismissively. "Take your people and go."

Zhao Wuzi looked up and smiled at the Gushu Shouren. "Let's go."

The beautiful Yashouren (sub-beastman, often non-combative or with different traits) before him was stunningly gorgeous. His smile seemed bewitching, capable of making one unconsciously fall into it.

At this moment, the Gushu Shouren felt like a moth gazing at a flame. But unlike a moth, he knew better than anyone that overly beautiful things are often poisonous. Yet even so, he couldn't control his pounding heart.

The Gushu Shouren followed the Yashouren forward a few steps, only to see the other turn his head and speak to those behind him: "You two, what are you still waiting for?"

From the Da Wu Dian出来 (exited), the following journey was exceptionally quiet.

The surrounding guards clearly recognized these three Shouren who didn't belong to their own team, yet not a single one spoke up.

Qi Bai and Lang Ze mixed in amongst the other party's guards, both conspicuous/out of place yet strangely harmonious.

They followed the other party all the way to a stone house in front. This was presumably this Wuzi's home.

Simple square contours, gray-white courtyard walls, gray-white large gate—this house looked very similar to the other houses in Wangu Cheng yet everywhere exuded a sense of difference.

Zhao stopped beside the three of them: "The houses of the Lie Shi Zu Fierce Lion Tribe, aside from lacking Shouren beastman bones, aren't much different from the other houses."

He looked at the three with a faint, ambiguous smile: "Come inside for a talk? Unfamiliar friends?"