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"You... what did you say?"

Even Shen San, who was normally magnanimous, turned grim at Ziyue’s words; although the Shen Family was full of schemes, the affection between the brothers was genuine.

Ziyue looked at him, saying word by word, "I mean, if someone were to betray, based on your understanding of them, who is the most likely?"

Shen Laoqi is the least likely; his technique may be troublesome, but he has never craved power, and to this day he remains idle in the academy, barely entering Transcendence with a scant amount of the Power of Faith, currently his combat power may not even match any soldier in the Four Holy Army.

Compared with him, his brothers who control the Hell Ruler’s sphere probably all surpassed him in strength, even the youngest one.

Such an easygoing person - if he’s pretending, the likelihood is truly too slim.

"My Lord..." Shen Laoqi held back the rage in his heart. He had been in contact with Ziyue for quite some time and knew that the other wouldn’t make such jokes without a reason, so he gravely asked, "Why would you ask this? Has something happened?"

"Only that some coincidences seemed a bit too.

.. well-timed," Ziyue said softly, "Considering the time frame, Nanhai City should have had its walls breached and captured Ao Zhen among others twenty days ago, and with its unique geographical position, support could reach Yundu within five days max from Penglai City. According to Chen Baifeng, Nanhai City’s formation is the latest that integrates our Jiangnan’s characteristics; not easily breached unless by numerous Array Masters or a King Level being. "

"Regardless of the scenario, Nanhai had all the right to assist Yundu, so why didn’t they? Instead, they waited for Chen Qing to return, as if they were certain Yundu would fail this time."

Hearing this, Shen Laoqi was startled - indeed, something seemed off. But why could it be related to his own brothers?

He voiced his confusion.

"We first need to understand what his motives are," Ziyue analyzed, "Jiangnan’s military is not weak; had he intended to swallow us, he should have moved when the Western Sea Army rode to Yundu’s aid, yet they waited for Chen Qing’s return.

And once Chen Qing came back, he had to leave abruptly because of some matter, it all seems too coincidental. "

"This..." Shen Laoqi, also a person of meticulous thought, understood the peculiarity amidst the minimal exchange between intelligent minds.

Unless the other side simply wanted to trade Ao Zhen for Ziyue, and that Ancient Demon Three Elders merely aspired to become kings, pawn-like shortsightedness, then all was easy. But upon a closer calculation, such a likelihood turned out exceedingly slim.

The reason is simple; the Nanhai Dragon King is not shortsighted.

To cooperate with the Ancient Demon, how could it be just for becoming king?

Everyone knows the current trends; solely relying on a Dragon King level and an Ancient Demon Elder, without any foundation, they would be easy prey in the times to come.

The Nanhai Dragon King would certainly understand this, as would the higher-rank Aquatic Race of Nanhai; based solely on the Elder’s level, winning over any other power is impossible.

Since the Elder could mobilize the Aquatic Race of Nanhai, what moved them? What did they use?

At this thought, Shen Qi felt a chill inside, for if it were a scheme, the chances were... it was likely to encircle the whole Jiangnan territory. With Jiangnan’s military strength, without insider collusion, mere Nanhai alone could never suffice!

If there were internal and external collusion, while Tian Heng lay heavily wounded and comatose, Xu Hu would absolutely not betray. With Wei Gongcheng accompanying the sovereign overseas, who else here could be the colluding weight, if not his own Shen Family members?

Shen San’s face turned pale; it was hard to blame others for their suspicions because, logically, it seemed only possible.

"You don’t have to worry; it might not be the worst-case scenario," Ziyue commented while looking at Shen Laoqi’s expression, still offering a word of comfort.

Shen Laoqi bitterly smiled and shook his head. Under these circumstances, it was almost impossible to be a good scenario; it was highly probable there was indeed a traitor among his own brothers.

"Excluding Shen Shiyi and Thirteen...," Shen Laoqi said solemnly, "They couldn’t be the problem, both kids have gone to the Hell Ruler, it’s impossible for them to be possessed. Judging by their age and personality, it also couldn’t be them who have issues."

"Probably so..." Ziyue nodded, it could only be said to be the least suspicious, but that didn’t mean there weren’t any; it was not impossible for some wiser-than-thou Reincarnators to have been faking it since childhood.

"Excluding a few minor ones, the most powerful ones now are Second Elder Shen from Nanyang City and Third Elder Shen from Nanming Prefecture of the Jiangnan Capital. If Wei Gongcheng can’t return and Lyuzhou is without a City God for a long time, then those most qualified to take Wei Gongcheng’s place would be these two. "

"Second and Third Elder Shen have both performed exceptionally well in their respective Hell Rulerships.

In both Nanyang City and Nanming Prefecture, Lord City God has a very good reputation with extremely high levels of faith.

Every year, both prefectures try their best to vie for spots at Jiangnan Academy, striving for the interests of ordinary locals and Noble Families. This has also been very well-received."

"If the two were to join forces, with the emperor and Wei Gongcheng absent, and then took over the Hell Rulership of Lyuzhou, most of the faith of the populace throughout Jiangnan would tilt towards them."

"Oh?" Ziyue looked at Shen Laoqi and smiled: "Seems like, Seventh Master, you have guessed how to seize power?"

"I’ve roughly guessed some..." Shen Qi responded with a wry smile: "Having been in the Divine Path Sect for so long, the Power of Faith is the most fascinating thing worth studying. Chen Qing’s power comes from the faith of the entire force, and he’s also in charge of distributing it.

I’ve been wondering for a long time, if everyone’s faith were to be shifted to another person, would it be possible to replace Chen Qing. Although unsure, I can roughly guess."

"The Shen Family... indeed all are clever people," nodded Ziyue.

"If you do not trust me, your Honor, you may use measures to seal."

Ziyue shook her head: "Without evidence, whether it’s you or Second Elder Shen, I cannot act against any of you. This would only lead to chaos on my side first."

"Your Honor is wise," Shen Qi said with a sigh of relief.

"Is there a possibility for Second Elder Shen and Third Elder Shen to collaborate?"

"Judging from past behaviors, the likelihood is low.

.." Shen Laoqi shook his head: "Third Elder’s demeanor is cultured and carefree, quite similar to me, while Second Elder has always had a gloomy and reserved style, which is related to his cultivation of the Ghost King Technique. Second Elder has always been at odds with us until he followed the emperor, and only then did our relationship gradually improve. But, if we talk about the likelihood, I think it’s even lower with Second Elder. "

"Hm?" Ziyue was surprised: "Why?"

By conventional reasoning, shouldn’t Second Elder Shen, with his gloomy and reserved personality, be more suspect?

Third Elder and Wei Gongcheng had a very good relationship, and in the academy, many students liked Third Elder.

I have also interacted with him, a person who is both carefree and carries an air of a gentleman.

Such a person usually portrays a very upbeat image, not likely to be someone with great ambition.

"I’ve met Second Elder a few times..." Shen Laoqi stroked his chin, recalling recent experiences: "I feel that Second Elder really likes his current status and enjoys it. Having lived together for so many years, I’ve rarely seen Second Elder so joyous.

Busy with those matters every day, he always seems tireless.

I believe what I saw is right. Second Elder.

....would not ruin the stability he presently has. "

"Is that so?" Ziyue nodded: "You go prepare, we set off tomorrow at Chen."

Shen Qi looked at Ziyue, who planned to take him along: "Shouldn’t you take precautions on that side?"

"I will leave the most elite guard force to Xuu Hu. As long as nothing happens to him, it is unlikely anyone else could cause trouble."

"That’s also true..." Shen Laoqi agreed.

Within the Divine Path Sect, although the Hell Ruler’s power is immense, the soldiers at their disposal are always limited.

Although there exist Shadow Soldiers, currently, ninety percent of the Shadow Soldiers come from the Warrior Army, a group of highly devoted military men because their entire families enjoy care and protection.

As members of the Warrior Army, their families not only receive generous compensation, but their children’s futures are also brighter.

Such treatment ensures that, even in death, the Warrior Army would go all out.

An open rebellion is practically impossible; as long as Xuu Hu is present, theoretically speaking, Jiangnan should not descend into chaos.

But for some reason, gazing upon Ziyue with that somber expression, unease started to rise in his heart.

If it’s something I can think of, so can the enemy. Is it really going to be that secure?