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"Well, it’s rare for such an old fellow like you to come visit... You’ve finally remembered to swing by my place?"

In the residence of the Duke of Ying, Duke Zhang Xun found it odd to see the Patriarch Weichi knocking at his door.

That stubborn old man had practically cut them off after they had attached themselves to the Ghost Spirits, with barely any interaction for a whole year.

And yet here he was, making a house call on his own initiative.

Old Weichi showed a wry smile, "What can I do when there’s no other choice?"

The other party burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Since the emergence of the Ghost Temple, under the Emperor’s stern pressure, most families couldn’t resist the temptation and joined.

Only the Weichi Clan and the Hong Family regarded themselves too pure, becoming heretics.

Before they became Ghost Persons, everyone naturally felt some aversion, but after the transformation, their loyalty was skewed.

They naturally found fault with any family that still held on to their principles.

Yet, both the Weichi Clan and the Hong Family enjoyed a considerably high standing in the Emperor’s heart, which meant they felt aggrieved but could do nothing about it.

This mutual disapproval had persisted for over a year; had this old man finally lost his patience and decided to pay a visit?

Zhang Xun felt secretly thrilled. He had heard recently that the families subordinate to the Weichi Clan were all grumbling with dissatisfaction, as the power of the Ghost General grew increasingly dominant, prompting each vassal family to harbor their own agendas.

It was only natural. As they watched other families rise with the tide, gaining tremendous power easily and crossing into the Transcendent realm, how could they not be envious?

Your Weichi Clan might pride itself on its purity, but what if those below you are dissatisfied?

He had been looking forward to a good show, and just yesterday, he had heard that the patriarchs of the vassal families under the Weichi Clan had all gathered there, obviously preparing for a big upheaval.

He had even got his melon seeds ready to enjoy the commotion.

"Please, come in and sit down."

Old Weichi’s cheeks twitched as he saw the other’s proud smile.

He reflected on the past; among the eight great Dukes of the Capital City, the Weichi Clan ranked fourth, while his, the Duke of Ying’s family, couldn’t even make it onto the list. Now, to be derogatorily called an old fellow to his face... Indeed, times make the man.

With his own temperament, he would rather starve than come to beg this old man; after all, considering his status in the Emperor’s eyes, he could have easily become a Ghost General if he desired. The Emperor would not shortchange him, and he wouldn’t need to give in to anyone’s whims.

But the situation was different now. According to Mu Hongqing’s prediction, the Capital City was on the brink of chaos, and at this moment, among those remaining in Capital City, Duke Zhang Xun wielded control over the Imperial Army!

"I’ve told you long ago that His Majesty isn’t harming us.

Becoming a Ghost General is not as terrifying as you imagine.

.." Zhang Xun, sitting at the head of the table, spoke with a tone of earnest advice, "Look at me, has my personality changed drastically? We noble bloodline families have always relied on Demon blood to achieve power beyond what ordinary people dare dream. We’ve always taken risks; being possessed by a Ghost General is much the same! "

"We coexist with them; they nourish our spirits, and we nourish their physical forms. It’s mutually beneficial. When the right time comes, they will naturally leave, and both parties will have benefited from the arrangement. What’s wrong with that?"

Old Weichi slightly pursed his lips upon hearing this. Mutually beneficial? A good parting at the end?

Could it really be that simple?

The Ghost Generals under King Xiang, forged from battling resentful spirits, had come to the world of the living to reinforce their physical bodies. At the opportune moment, they would obediently leave?

Was there really such a good deal? At any rate, he was quite skeptical.

As for the other side claiming there had been no change, that was even more absurd. Did he not know? Inside the Capital City was one thing, but on the outskirts, disappearances were frequent - who was behind them?

These noble families had long since degraded into man-eating monsters, little different from Demons in human skin.

"Has there been any news from His Majesty?" Old Weichi finally spoke up.

"His Majesty is far off in Yundu, attending the Heavenly Master convention; naturally, he won’t be returning anytime soon.

" Zhang Xun said with a smile, "Moreover, I’ve heard that the place arranged for His Majesty in Yundu is the Imperial Palace of the former dynasty.

This indicates that Yundu has also recognized the situation.

By next year, perhaps we will all have to move to Yundu. "

"Is that so?" Old Weichi nodded slightly; it seemed that many Military Generals were quite looking forward to this prospect. After all, although the Capital City had been well developed, it was still a land of harsh climate. How could it compare to the better location of Yundu?

"You surely didn’t come here just to inquire about His Majesty, did you?" The other party chuckled, "But then again, if you change your mind, it’s never too late to bring it up with His Majesty."

Patriarch Weichi shook his head upon hearing this, "The stance of the Weichi Clan won’t change."

"Oh?" Zhang Xun raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, "Then what are you doing here today?"

"You should have heard about the situation in my house, all the restless ones below are now on the verge of rebelling."

"Heard something about it..." Zhang Xun leisurely sipped his tea and thought to himself: Who wouldn’t want to rebel when following your unfortunate lot? A chance for instant elevation just in front of them and they have to miss it, anyone would be anxious.

"We’ve got old ties, so I came to see if my old friend could give me a hand."

"What can I do for you?" Zhang Xun asked with curiosity.

"Those under me are not in line with the Weichi Clan’s heart, but what can I do?

After all, they have served the Weichi Clan for so many years, it wouldn’t be right not to give them a word of explanation.

As for His Majesty... I really can’t bear to lose face by begging, so I hope my old friend can lend me a hand. "

"Are you suggesting... you want me to open the Ghost Temple for the vassal families’ offspring of your Weichi Clan?" Zhang Xun suddenly understood.

"I have no other choice..." Patriarch Weichi said with a wry smile, "You see, that group is short of rebelling en masse, and my Weichi Clan is about to lose all face."

Zhang Xun rolled his eyes upon hearing this: Isn’t that self-inflicted?

But he felt the other party was also looking for a way to save face, coming to him in secret, first having Ghost Generals possess the vassal families’ offspring, and then when His Majesty returned, considering His Majesty’s fondness for the Weichi Clan, he would surely offer a way out, persuading them to join again.

By then, with face saved, the Weichi Clan could take advantage of the situation and seamlessly join the cause.

Thinking this, Zhang Xun stroked his chin. If the Weichi Clan had the intention to join, their rise again would just be a matter of time; selling favors now wouldn’t be a loss...

"Opening the Ghost Temple is a grave matter; I need to discuss it with other commanders in the Capital City."

"Of course, of course..." Patriarch Weichi chuckled, "I’m just asking. If it’s difficult for my old friend..."

"It’s not much of a problem." The other party waved dismissively, "Although opening the Ghost Temple is no small matter, I am after all the highest-ranking officer in the Capital City.

I have the right of first refusal in all matters, and even if there are a few shortsighted naysayers, I can still get the job done for you. "

"Then I thank you dearly!" Patriarch Weichi immediately laughed and bowed in gratitude.

"No need for thanks, we’re old friends after all these years," Zhang Xun laughed with satisfaction, the favor from the Weichi Clan was indeed not easy to gain.

Patriarch Weichi harbored doubts in his heart; he and Mu Hongqing had assessed last night that in order to take control of the Ghost Temple, sufficient military force was a must, making Zhang Xun in charge of the Imperial Army the most suspect.

If it were anyone else, they would have to confront Zhang Xun’s Imperial Army head-on, which would significantly complicate matters.

Or could it be someone hidden within, secretly controlling the military might?

"When can you make the arrangements?" Patriarch Weichi inquired, "It’d be best if it were done as soon as possible; those old coots loiter in my house, and too many people are laughing at us."

"Hahaha, that still comes back to you," the other laughed good-humoredly, "Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll head over to the Ghost Temple now, speak with the priests in charge and General Luo, and also give a heads-up to the other noble families.

There shouldn’t be a big problem, and if all goes well, I should be able to make arrangements for you tonight. "

"Good, good, good, then I’ll have to rely on you."

Zhang Xun sent off his guest satisfied, while Patriarch Weichi hurried back home to inform Mu Hongqing of the intelligence.

Mu Hongqing and Liu Yu both hesitated for a moment because if the inside collaborator wasn’t Zhang Xun, then what could they possibly use to control the Capital City in such a short time?

It’s true that His Majesty’s main forces were at the frontier, but the Yin Army travels fast, and upon receiving the news, they could rush back within three days at the latest. To seize the Mother and Child Ghost Temples of the Capital City, one would need to act as swiftly as thunder, catching their enemies unawares.

In the Capital City... who else has that capability?