I Can Devour Spirits

Inside the Secret Chamber Mandala, this group of individuals toiled for over an hour.

When the thick smoke gradually dissipated, only fourteen dried corpses remained on the altar in the center of the mandala.

As some of them tidied up their clothes, the stone door had already begun to slowly open. A group of black-clad individuals entered, lifting the female corpse from the altar and carrying it out.

After the crowd finished organizing their clothes, they slowly walked out of the Secret Chamber Mandala. However, instead of following the stone steps to exit, they turned and entered another secret chamber beside the mandala.

This had become their routine after the banquet, held once every half month. Besides cultivation, they also gathered to discuss matters.

These fourteen were all powerful leaders from various factions, meeting every half month: firstly, to report various progress to Sun Qian; secondly, to discuss any difficult issues, allowing everyone to brainstorm solutions.

Inside this secret chamber, there were only stone tables and chairs; nothing else.

The stone table was quite large, occupying nearly half the area of the chamber, with fourteen stone chairs arranged around it.

Once everyone was seated, a few maids carried specially made silver trays and cups, serving ginseng tea to each person.

When a maid placed the silver cup of ginseng tea in front of Xu Dongyang, he stared intently at the maid’s fair neck, the excitement from earlier in the mandala still lingering in his heart.

Many people looked at the silver cup of ginseng tea before them, their eyes showing a slight movement.

This indeed was ginseng tea brewed from a blood ginseng over a hundred years old, which is not easy to obtain.

Moreover, Sun Qian used silver cups to hold the tea to assure everyone. While sipping the tea, they appreciated his thoughtful gesture.

Then, they began the meeting, reporting to Sun Qian one by one in sequence, as customary.

Sun Qian, with a smile, gently traced the rim of a silver cup with his fingertips while attentively listening to their reports, occasionally pausing to ask a few questions.

In less than an hour, more than ten individuals had finished their reports.

Each had been handling their affairs for quite some time; the latest to enter Xianggu County, Xu Dian, had taken over the weapon shop almost a year ago.

All businesses had long been on the right track.

After the reports, Sun Qian usually provided suggestions, not immediately after each report but after everyone concluded, delivering his advice collectively.

At this point, he spoke without naming names, yet he always made his point clear with just a few words. Though he never indicated anyone specifically, the person concerned would understand immediately.

This was why everyone respected him; such insight and intellect were unmatched by anyone present.

As everyone awaited Sun Qian’s advice post-report, Sun Qian coughed lightly and said, ”Something happened recently that I’d like to discuss with you brothers.”

Sun Qian suddenly glanced at Ruan Fengshan and said, ”Fengshan, why don’t you explain it.”

Ruan Fengshan replied, ”Yes, big brother.”

Those seated around the stone table looked at Ruan Fengshan with puzzled expressions, unsure of what had transpired.

Ruan Fengshan said, ”Dear brothers, this matter is somewhat tricky. As you all know, more than half a month ago, a rebellion occurred at my Yuan Shun Escort Agency. Fortunately, with the assistance of you brothers, we were able to eliminate the agitators that very night!”

”However...” Ruan Fengshan turned the conversation, saying, ”The ringleader at the Escort Agency was Xiao Zongting. He has a daughter named Xiao Yu and a disciple named Duan Rong. Three years ago, both became registered disciples of the sect. Just yesterday afternoon, they returned to Xianggu County.”

Xu Dian sipped his ginseng tea and asked, ”Three years ago, they entered the sect. So what are they now, registered disciples or outer disciples?”

Ruan Fengshan glanced at Xu Dian and replied, ”Xu, my brother, you’ve asked the crucial question.”

”I’ve already had old Xu send a secret message to our headquarters, and we should have news in two or three days. But...” Ruan Fengshan’s tone suddenly grew heavy. ”From what I understand, there is a significant chance that Duan Rong could become an outer disciple.”

At this moment, Sun Qian suddenly said, ”If they are just registered disciples expelled from the sect, it would be much easier. Under siege, we could eliminate them directly. But if they are outer disciples, especially Duan Rong, we cannot act rashly. An outer disciple, returning home after three years, being killed would definitely make the sect investigate intensely, which would be greatly disadvantageous to us!”

Ruan Fengshan chimed in, ”Big brother and I have been considering whether we could set up a situation to scare them off.”

Sun Qian smiled and said, ”That’s exactly the idea. Brothers, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, feel free to speak up.”

”Scare them off?!”

Many showed puzzled expressions on their faces. Setting up a situation to scare off a True Qi Realm expert is not so easily accomplished.

At this point, Bai Rong suddenly smiled and said, ”I have an idea. Brothers, would you like to hear it?”

Ruan Fengshan immediately became interested, his eyes towards Bai Rong, ”Brother Bai Rong, please speak.”

Bai Rong said, ”As long as we devise a way to lure that kid to Huaying Building, I guarantee he won’t withstand the Charm Art of the Four Great Demonesses. At that point, while he’s incapacitated, we slip in and strangle that little whore beside him. By then, no matter what, he won’t be able to explain himself. The government office can justifiably issue a warrant for him, and the sect won’t protect a murderer.”