Yellow Court Daoist

Chapter 422: The Cunning Plan Within the Tent!



As Ao Jue's words were spoken, despite maintaining composure, everyone within the tent turned their gaze towards Ao Shang.

Ao Shang's brows furrowed immediately, and he said in a deep voice, "What exactly does the Marshal of the Western Heaven mean by that? As comrades of the Heaven Suppressing Army, who would deliberately make things difficult for Ao Zhan? It's merely that in the midst of a great battle, with Shang River being far away, we have difficulty providing ample grain and armor in a short time. As for the soldiers, Ao Zhan is a newly promoted general, is it reasonable to dispatch all the elite troops and outstanding generals under his command?"

"There's no need for the Commander of Eastern Heaven to rush to an explanation."

"I am merely curious, Ao Zhan has been enduring for three years, and now with incomplete troops and commanders, scant grain and armor supplies, he's actually walking away so directly. It seems he is heading to Poison Dragon Pond, to become a general without an army."

Ao Jue laughed out loud, fearless of Ao Shang.

"If the number of soldiers is inadequate, we wait for reinforcements."

"That Ao Zhan is actually the Dragon Lord of Poison Dragon Pond, with territories of his own, fully capable of self-sufficiency in grain, armor, and other supplies. It's only reasonable for our Heaven Suppressing Army to be unable to help right now, due to the fierce battles on the eastern front."

Ao Shang's expression remained unchanged, his voice resonant.

Ao Jue heard this, the mockery on his face growing even thicker, about to retort sharply.

Suddenly, the Great Marshal Ao Zhuo said loudly, "Stop this argument."

Ao Jue and Ao Shang immediately fell silent.

It was the imposing Marshal of the Southern Sky, Zhu Jiu, who spoke out, "I've heard that the newly appointed chief official of the Investigation Department went into the Five Prisons and subdued dozens of powerful and unruly demons with a single effort. This Investigation God Monarch is the one who summoned Ao Zhan's son-in-law to be executed. Ao Zhan's departure now might be related to this."

Zhu Jiu, in control of troops in the south, spanning across Dong Xian State and East Chen State, was closest to the Investigation Divine Bureau, and therefore one of the first to receive the news.

"Subdued dozens of demons?!"

As Zhu Jiu's words ended, Ao Jue, Ao Shang, and even the top Great Marshal Ao Zhuo showed surprise.

If indeed he had subjugated dozens of demons, then Ao Zhan might not need additional front-line warriors.

Ao Zhuo looked towards Zhu Jiu, "How strong are these demons?"

"They are all prominent figures within the Fourth Realm, among the most intractable and unruly within the Five Prisons, including some top-tier demons that have been imprisoned for thousands, even tens of thousands of years."

As Zhu Jiu spoke, he too felt amazed.

Even though he had no ties with the Investigation Department, the rebelliousness of these demons in the Five Prisons, and even the reputations they held before imprisonment, were all known to Zhu Jiu.

When he heard these tidings some days ago, even he was astounded that so many notorious demons submitted to the new Investigation God Monarch.

Then, after dispatching people to investigate, he learned even more.

"Not only has the Investigation God Monarch recruited dozens of demons, but all of their possessions have been turned over as well. The treasures they had hidden everywhere have all fallen into the hands of the Investigation God Monarch."

The demons incarcerated in the Five Prisons, each one fierce and evil, had plundered their domains extensively, amassing untold fortunes and treasures. The construction of the Five Prisons by the Shang River Dragon Palace, besides the official punishment, had partly to do with the treasures these demons had hidden in pocket spaces or elsewhere.

For this reason, they had been imprisoned for thousands of years and subjected to severe interrogation.

These defiant demons, unafraid of harsh torture, were extremely wealthy, and now it all had cheaply passed into Lu Qingfeng's hands.

"Nonsense!"

"The use of demons from the Five Prisons must be reported to the Three Armies Grand Marshal, assigned to the Three Armies as vanguards to accumulate merit and atone for their crimes. How could the Investigation Department retain them for private use?!"

"The demons' ill-gotten gains should be turned over to the Three Armies and the Dragon Palace and should not be hoarded for personal gain."

"This Investigation God Monarch truly acts recklessly, not knowing the gravity of his actions!"

Upon hearing this, the Commander of Eastern Heaven, Ao Shang, slammed his fist onto the table and bellowed angrily.

Ao Jue sneered beside him, his face showing ridicule and his heart filled with disdain.

Ao Shang, however, turned to the top Great Marshal Ao Zhuo and said, "The Investigation God Monarch is acting unlawfully. I request the Great Marshal to decide upon a punishment!"

At this moment.

Someone hurried into the tent from outside, bowing to the Commander of Eastern Heaven, Ao Shang—

"Reporting to the Marshal."

"All the camps in the army, those that accommodated demons from the Five Prisons, have all broken out and the Heart Image Great Spell is useless!"

As soon as the words were spoken.

Another officer rushed in, bowing to the Marshal of Western Heaven, Zhu Jiu—

"Reporting to the Marshal."

"All the camps in the army, those that accommodated demons from the Five Prisons, have all broken out and the Heart Image Great Spell is useless!"

Ao Shang and Zhu Jiu's faces changed dramatically upon hearing this.

"How dare Guang Yuan do this?!"

With a dignified face, Ao Zhuo called out loud to the outside of the tent—

"Summon the Investigation God Monarch to appear."

...

"Guang Yuan pays his respects to the Great Marshal and the five Marshals."

Inside the tent of the Three Armies' Great Marshal, Lu Qingfeng was neither humble nor arrogant as he paid his respects to Ao Zhuo and the others and took a seat on his own at the right side. Ao Shang and Zhu Jiu were visibly displeased but restrained themselves from speaking out.

The Great Marshal Ao Zhuo was calm and, looking at Lu Qingfeng, laughed and said, "I am truly embarrassed to have to trouble the Guangyuan God to make this trip."

"It's nothing."

Lu Qingfeng waved his hand, his gaze innocent.

"Is the God Monarch content with your stay at the Investigation Department?" Ao Zhuo, looking at the Investigation God Monarch before him, felt somewhat at a loss as to how to begin questioning, so he simply started with pleasantries with Lu Qingfeng.

Lu Qingfeng was fully aware, yet he overlooked the matter intentionally, speaking clearly, "Thank you for the Great Marshal's concern, all is well."

The two made inconsequential small talk.

Seeing that Ao Zhuo and Lu Qingfeng were engaging in pleasantries without addressing the main issue, the Commander of the Eastern Heaven, Ao Shang, couldn't hold back and said sternly, "We summoned Guang Yuan God Monarch here; does the God Monarch realize why?"

"I do not."

Lu Qingfeng shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Jiu slapped the table fiercely, exclaiming angrily, "Guang Yuan God Monarch has removed several hundred demons from the Southern and Eastern Heaven Armies without cause; you must provide a satisfactory explanation to the Great Marshal, to me, and to the Eastern Heaven Marshal!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Seeing this, Lu Qingfeng's face changed abruptly, and with a fierce pounding of his hand on the table three times, he smashed the table to pieces. He glared at Zhu Jiu, "How presumptuous! How dare you, a mere Pig, meddle in the affairs of the Investigation Department?!"

Zhu Jiu's true form was that of an unusual 'Shiva Pig', vastly different from the domestic pigs raised by humans. Nevertheless, at the base level, be it a spirit pig or an immortal pig, it was still a pig; Lu Qingfeng's reference to 'Pig' struck Zhu Jiu where it hurt most.

"How audacious!"

Zhu Jiu's expression changed dramatically, he suddenly bellowed furiously.

The Commander of East Heaven also looked towards Lu Qingfeng, frowning and demanding, "What is the meaning of this, Guangyuan Divine Monarch?"

Lu Qingfeng listened.

He scoffed without saying much, waved his hand, and a scene formed out of the gathering clouds above—

Within it, a general with an angry expression was slamming his hand down on a table as he shouted.

Upon closer inspection.

It was indeed Zhu Jiu.

Pointing at Zhu Jiu, Lu Qingfeng ridiculed Ao Shang, "This pig slapped the table at me first, I simply returned the favor. Perhaps you should ask him what he means by that?!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the tent looked at each other.

"Return the favor?"

"Return the favor!"

"Pfft!"

The Marshal of Western Heaven, Ao Jue, couldn't contain his laughter upon hearing this, "Guangyuan Divine Monarch is truly amusing."

"Thank you for the compliment, Marshal of Western Heaven."

Lu Qingfeng smiled at Ao Jue, feeling no ill will towards this Marshal of Western Heaven. Ao Jue smiled back and nodded continuously at Lu Qingfeng.

"How dare this kid insult me?!"

Enraged, Zhu Jiu grabbed a nine-toothed nail rake that appeared in his hand and made to slam it down on Lu Qingfeng.

"Southern Heaven Marshal!"

Seeing this, the Great Marshal Ao Zhuo's expression darkened instantly as he looked over at Zhu Jiu.

Zhu Jiu, clutching the nine-toothed nail rake, gritted his teeth vehemently, but held back.

Lu Qingfeng, on the other hand, was unrelenting, "Zhu Jiu is violent within the tent, I ask the Great Marshal to preside over justice!"

"Guangyuan Divine Monarch."

Ao Zhuo looked at Lu Qingfeng, frowning slightly.

"Zhu Jiu is violent within the tent, I ask the Great Marshal to preside over justice, do not be partial!"

Lu Qingfeng was persistent, his tone firm.

"Guangyuan!"

"Excessive bullying, take this rake from me first!"

Unable to take it any longer, Zhu Jiu raised the rake and slammed it towards Lu Qingfeng.

"Hmph!"

Lu Qingfeng held his head high, staring straight at the nine-toothed nail rake without dodging or defending, allowing it to strike down.

"Southern Heaven Marshal, this is too much!"

Ao Zhuo's voice was stern, and without making a move, a gust of wind rose up and brushed aside the rake.

Clang clang clang!

It fell to the ground.

"Zhu Jiu is violent within the tent, I ask the Great Marshal to preside over justice!"

Lu Qingfeng still bowed with folded hands, addressing Ao Zhuo.

"Wah!"

"I'm infuriated too!"

Truly angered, Zhu Jiu was so enraged that he seemed on the verge of ascending to heaven, his eyes bulging as though they might burst. A terrifying aura surged towards Lu Qingfeng.

"Southern Heaven Marshal, do not go too far!"

Great Marshal Ao Zhuo's eyes narrowed as he sternly rebuked and shattered Zhu Jiu's oppressive aura completely.

"Huff huff huff!"

Zhu Jiu gasped for breath, still angry but no longer daring to act against Lu Qingfeng.

Ao Shang, standing to the side, spoke with a dark expression, "Guangyuan Divine Monarch intends to provoke the Southern Heaven Marshal, and now you're creating a ruckus and causing trouble, treating the Heaven Suppressing Army as a place for your tantrums and quarrels?"

Lu Qingfeng heard this, his expression stern, and with a sweep of his sleeve, the clouds in the sky gathered again, revealing a scene—

Within it was a general with an angry expression, slamming his hand down on a desk and shouting.

Upon closer inspection.

Again, it was Zhu Jiu.

Not this trick again!

Upon seeing this, Ao Shang also erupted in anger, and his eyes flashed with a murderous aura.

"Ha Ha!"

"This accusation seems rather biased, I have personally witnessed it, it was clearly the Southern Heaven Marshal who was rude first by slamming the table and provoking a challenge, and the Eastern Heaven Marshal, you fanned the flames on the side, but now you're blaming everything on Guangyuan Divine Monarch."

The Marshal of Western Heaven, Ao Jue, had a cunning gleam in his eye, always one to stir trouble, and now seeing Guangyuan Divine Monarch's audacious actions, he felt a kindred spirit. The shackled nature of his position in the Heaven Suppressing Army was now unleashed, as he chuckled non-stop and said, while winking at Lu Qingfeng, "I really can't stand by without speaking up for the Divine Monarch."

"Fanning the flames?"

Ao Shang gave Ao Jue a cold look, snorting softly, unwilling to argue with him.

"Thank you, Marshal of Western Heaven, for speaking up for justice."

Lu Qingfeng thanked Ao Jue and, pointing at Zhu Jiu and Ao Shang, addressed Great Marshal Ao Zhuo, "Zhu Jiu is violent within the tent, Ao Shang is slandering me, I ask the Great Marshal to preside over justice!"

Ao Zhuo had a headache.

Faced with such a troublesome individual, Ao Zhuo had no solutions. Turning to Lu Qingfeng, he said, "Guangyuan Divine Monarch, do me a favor and let bygones be bygones, shall we?"

"Since the Great Marshal has spoken, naturally I will comply."

As Ao Zhuo had put it to this extent, Lu Qingfeng relented.

Ao Zhuo internally sighed with relief.

"The two Marshals, hold your tongues for now."

Seeing Zhu Jiu and Ao Shang bristling with anger and about to speak out, Ao Zhuo hurriedly cut them off, not daring to continue pleasantries with Lu Qingfeng, and quickly got to the point, "Divine Monarch, you have been bothered to come here regarding the Demons of the Five Prisons in the Eastern Heaven Army and Southern Heaven Army who have broken out of camp and must be returned to the Investigation Department."


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