Xu Mu said he wanted to be alone, but Duan Qingcheng wouldn't ask who "alone" was.
He was just a bit melancholic, a bit desperate, and felt as devastated as if struck by lightning.
Not taking Xu Mu back was a small matter.
Since Xu Mu himself didn't want to return, he could report this and Yaohuo wouldn't do anything to him.
But the crucial point was, he needed a favor!
Duan Qingcheng sighed inwardly. As the City Lord of Qingshan City, he never got any benefits. He was merely a nominal City Lord; all the good things eluded him, while he was left to handle all the dirty and arduous tasks.
His wallet was empty, poorer than even a shopkeeper.
So, he planned to establish his own subordinate city in cooperation with the Jin Yin Trading Company.
He would provide commercial convenience for them and, in return, skim some profits.
Site selection, construction, layout—everything was ready, awaiting only an imperial decree.
Specifically, he needed a decree from the Ministry of Revenue, because a city couldn't be built with his own money.
But getting the state to fund it wasn't easy. Even as a regional lord, it wasn't possible without the endorsement of a powerful figure!
For example, Yaohuo.
If he could bring Xu Mu back this time, Yaohuo would endorse him, approving the decree to establish the subordinate city!
Duan Qingcheng thought he was all set once he found Xu Mu, but to his surprise, the other man didn't want to go see Yaohuo and preferred to stay in this remote place. What was he to do!
"My mind is made up, you don't need to try to persuade me any further."
Xu Mu had no idea that his decision to stay or go involved so many complex matters.
He simply put on a casual demeanor and waved his hand.
"Alright, but this was an order from Lord Yaohuo. If I fail to complete it, Lord Xu, you'll have to put in a good word for me when you return."
The decree might not happen this time, but there would be other opportunities. He absolutely couldn't afford to offend Xu Mu!
He gritted his teeth and said.
Xu Mu heard this and smiled, saying:
"That's not difficult."
"When I finally see him, I'll tell him you saved my life."
"Truly?" Duan Qingcheng's eyes lit up at this.
If that were the case, even if he hadn't brought Xu Mu back, Yaohuo wouldn't have much to say!
A life, the life of a peerless genius! The decree would be issued in an instant!
"Truly."
Xu Mu nodded. The other man had indeed saved his life; there was no question about it.
But Duan Qingcheng was unaware of the nuances. He still believed Xu Mu could handle these "minor officials" with his own abilities.
"Thank you, Lord Xu!"
Duan Qingcheng's face flushed. In his mind, Xu Mu doing this was clearly an attempt to befriend him and curry favor.
As for the rescue, he considered it merely an excuse.
Yun Jing, Yun Che—what were they?
Even holding that ink sword, he had to be extremely careful!
Duan Qingcheng's grin stretched across his face. He owed Xu Mu a favor this time, but being connected to such a talented genius, even a regional lord would be more than willing.
In the cultivation world, favors were often the hardest to repay, but if it were Xu Mu, he couldn't ask for anything more!
Duan Qingcheng rummaged through his spatial pouch and found a purple token:
"Lord Xu, if you ever come to Qingshan City, you must find me."
"This is my identity token. Seeing it is like seeing me. Please accept it, Lord Xu!"
Xu Mu did not refuse Duan Qingcheng's enthusiasm. He nodded and took it, saying:
"Thank you, Lord Duan."
"Haha, then Lord Xu, I won't disturb you further. I hope we meet again at the destination!"
Duan Qingcheng clasped his hands, then turned and stepped into the air using his invisible powers, moving with great speed, even slightly faster than in his prime!
Clearly, he was in a hurry to see Yaohuo and plan for the subordinate city.
Xu Mu smiled, watched him go, then turned back.
His eyes immediately regained their indifferent expression.
Everyone in the stone cave was struck with fear.
Even the City Lord Duan Qingcheng had to be so deferential when speaking with Xu Mu. What about them?
Did they have to kneel?
Seeing Xu Mu's displeased expression, Nan Feng felt a surge of fear.
He feared Xu Mu's sword, but even more, he feared Xu Mu coveting his remaining points.
After all, if Xu Mu asked for them, he would have no choice but to accept the loss, as fighting back was impossible.
Nan Feng swallowed hard, about to speak and apologize again.
Unexpectedly, Xu Mu spoke first:
"Lord City Lord Duan was here just now, and I couldn't openly defy him."
He turned and scanned the surroundings. Wherever his gaze fell, people avoided his eyes. Only a few with clear consciences dared to meet his stare, such as Changsun Wuji.
His eyes held excitement and surprise.
"Although you have committed some transgressions, they are not grounds for death."
"Since you have already compensated with so many points, the past matters are now considered settled."
"???"
Nan Feng was disbelieving. The others also widened their eyes.
Though they were not familiar with Xu Mu, they had witnessed him, particularly his arrogance during his dispute with the Wang family patriarch.
He had shown no leniency towards someone of that stature, yet now he was letting them off so easily. It seemed quite strange.
"Could it be, he has other conditions!"
Someone thought with alarm. He didn't believe Xu Mu would let them off so easily.
So, he pricked up his ears, waiting to hear Xu Mu's conditions.
However, after saying those words, the latter added nothing further.
He had truly let them go.
...
"Lord Xu does not kill the innocent. Hurry and express your gratitude!"
Changsun Wuji, sensing that Xu Mu had no further intentions, narrowed his eyes. He knew this was an excellent opportunity to win people over and quickly shouted.
The crowd then reacted, simultaneously cupping their fists and bowing to Xu Mu:
"Thank you, Lord Xu!"
"Thank you, Lord Xu!"
"Thank you, Lord Xu!"
Three consecutive bows, perfectly synchronized.
Xu Mu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the bowing crowd, a peculiar feeling arising in his heart, as if he had become an emperor.
"My Lord, I believe the position of Alliance Leader would be best suited for you from now on."
After the bows, an ability user in the crowd shouted loudly, requesting Xu Mu to be their leader.
"Yes, Lord Xu! This battlefield is too dangerous. You are the strongest among us. You are truly the one worthy of the Alliance Leader's position!"
"Please, Lord Xu, accept the position of Alliance Leader!"
"Please, Lord Xu, accept the position of Alliance Leader!"
"Please, Lord Xu, accept the position of Alliance Leader!"
Another wave of roaring voices. Nan Feng and his three sworn brothers stood in the crowd, their faces grim.
"These scumbags!" the fatty grumbled maliciously.
What did they mean, Xu Mu was the one truly worthy of the Alliance Leader's position?
Wasn't that mocking him, implying he wasn't worthy of being the Alliance Leader!
"There's nothing we can do. His strength and background are both superior to ours."
Xi Du sighed, casting a resentful glance at Changsun Wuji behind him.
They were so close to avenging his summoned beasts. Now, with Xu Mu about to become the Alliance Leader, when would they ever get their chance again!
"It's the general trend, there's nothing we can do."
Nan Feng heard this, struggled for a moment, then sighed. He then loudly declared:
"Lord Xu is indeed the most suitable candidate for Alliance Leader."
"I, Nan Feng, willingly abdicate and pledge allegiance to Alliance Leader Xu from now on!"
Nan Feng's smile was brilliant as he shouted louder than anyone else.
In the previous moment, he had understood something.
"If we recognize Xu Mu as the Alliance Leader, he won't pursue past responsibilities so harshly."
"Moreover, perhaps we can even turn enemies into friends and join this grand endeavor."
Nan Feng chuckled inwardly. As long as he could latch onto the Demon Extermination Division, what was Duan Qingcheng to him?
He would eventually get back ten or a hundredfold whatever money Duan Qingcheng had embezzled from him!
"Putting on a show, let's see if you dare not try."
Hearing Nan Feng's words, Changsun Wuji scoffed disdainfully.
Xu Mu's position as Alliance Leader was the will of the people. Nan Feng's disagreement was futile.
Moreover, at the same time, Changsun Wuji's assessment of Xu Mu quietly rose another level.
In his view, Xu Mu's magnanimity was the most strategic move.
This was precisely what their royal family advocated: a combination of power and benevolence.
First, use absolute power and authority to awe everyone, then, instead of pressing relentlessly, offer a carrot after the stick, striking a balance, winning hearts, and then turning enemies into allies—this was the art of imperial rule.
Those who had suffered losses would instead be grateful to Xu Mu.
"So young, yet so terrifying!"
Changsun Wuji thought this and couldn't help but smile. After this incident, his Changsun family had thoroughly hitched themselves to Xu Mu's ship. The future benefits would be immeasurable!
Xu Mu looked around. Seeing that the time was almost right, he signaled for quiet, then opened his mouth and said:
"Actually, I never intended to stay here for long."
"This region holds little value for me."
Xu Mu's expression was indifferent. He was eager to accept the position of Alliance Leader, but he knew that at times like these, one had to remain composed.
Because they had lost their points to him, they were bound to harbor resentment. Therefore, he had to act convincingly, leaving no room for loopholes, for his own safety.
"However, given your overwhelming enthusiasm, I find it difficult to refuse," Xu Mu pondered for a moment, frowning. "Then, for this brief period, I will serve as your Alliance Leader."
"But let's be clear beforehand, as soon as I have a new plan, I will depart."
"Rest assured, my Lord. We are aware of your strength. Your willingness to lead us for a while is already a great favor."
Someone bowed deeply, flattering him earnestly.
"That's right," an elder chimed in.
"Alright, you don't need to be like this. I'm not used to it," Xu Mu frowned, waving his hand as if annoyed. "Let's leave it at that for today. You all may disperse and attend to your own affairs."
"Once I familiarize myself with the situation here, I will make further plans."
"As the Alliance Leader commands!"