Chapter Fifty-two: Will you drink this antidote yourself, or shall I feed it to you?

Sujian quietly arrived at the City Lord’s Manor, immediately detecting an unusual scent in the air.

Though he found no traps lying in wait, the anxious looks of the servants made it easy for him to deduce the situation. Old Wang Yourong was clearly on his guard, likely fearing Sujian might silence him to tie up loose ends. Such caution was precisely what one would expect from someone who could become the City Lord of the imperial capital.

Moreover, Wang Yourong had not alerted the Tribunal of Justice—he must have understood that, should things come to a head, both sides would suffer. Dealing with such a calculating mind was never easy; a single misstep could spell disaster. Fortunately, from the beginning, Wang Yourong had underestimated him, seeing him as nothing more than a cornered, low-level cultivator.

Sujian chuckled to himself, “Sometimes, being weak has its advantages.”

Had Wang Yourong involved the Tribunal, he would never have had a chance to make a move today. With this in mind, Sujian did not hesitate further and made his way deeper into the manor. He knew there were dangers ahead, but he was unafraid. All he needed was overwhelming force to break through any ambush.

He could have entered under the pretense of delivering medicine, but Wang Yourong would likely refuse to see him, sending someone else to collect the antidote instead. Simpler to act directly...

Yet, the moment he set foot inside, a mocking voice called out, “The City Lord’s foresight is remarkable. I knew you’d show up.”

Almost simultaneously, over a dozen poison-tipped arrows flashed toward his vital points. Sujian neutralized them with ease, not even needing to activate his protective talisman.

“Fools courting death!”

After that brief probe, four Nascent Soul cultivators leapt out from all sides. Wang Yourong himself remained hidden.

Sujian sighed, “Is this how the City Lord’s Manor treats its guests?”

One of the men sneered, “You’re about to die, yet you still think of struggling? You barge in uninvited and expect hospitality?”

Sujian suddenly grinned, “But I’ve come to deliver the antidote for your City Lord. Since he doesn’t want it, I’ll just be on my way.”

“Kill him and seize the antidote!”

As they advanced, Sujian struck, hurling four immobilization talismans with perfect precision. All four Nascent Soul cultivators froze in place at once.

Watching from the shadows, Wang Yourong’s neck stiffened in shock. “Is this even how duels are supposed to go?”

Unperturbed, Sujian took out his Five Venoms Powder and, wasting no time, forced it down the throats of each captive. He acted swiftly, ensuring they would have companions on their journey down the Yellow Springs.

He shook his head. Operating in the city was troublesome; any commotion would draw the Tribunal’s attention. Against Nascent Soul cultivators, using the Heavenly Star Thunder would have been quicker—no need for all that talk.

At that moment, his gaze met Wang Yourong’s in the shadows. Wang Yourong froze, a sudden tightness in his chest, knowing escape was too late. Although Sujian had changed his face, his voice betrayed him.

Holding the Five Venoms Powder, Sujian smiled gently, “Lord Wang, will you take this antidote yourself or shall I help you?”

Wang Yourong forced a smile, “No need to trouble you, my friend. Just leave the antidote, and I’ll take it in my own time.”

Sujian’s expression hardened as he slapped another immobilization talisman on him. “I gave you a choice—why all the nonsense?”

Without further ado, he dumped the Five Venoms Powder straight into Wang Yourong’s mouth. Terror flashed in Wang Yourong’s eyes, but in moments, his breath ceased.

Sujian quickly searched the corpse, taking the storage ring, and did the same with the four Nascent Soul cultivators. Five rings in hand, he had no intention of further looting; the manor was too close to the Tribunal for unnecessary complications.

After all, almost every cultivator carried their valuables on them. Robberies were rare, and if one fell prey, survival was even less likely. Since he had already killed for treasure, there was no room for mercy.

He paused, sensing something was missing. Suddenly inspired, he drew his artifact sword, glanced at Wang Yourong’s peaceful corpse, and murmured, “City Lord, allow me to borrow some of your blood.”

With that, he drew the blade across Wang Yourong’s throat, then used the blood to write on the ground: “The killer is Ouyang Ke.”

Perfect. The uproar at the City Lord’s Manor would surely reach Ouyang Feng’s ears, and with the previous bounty on Ouyang Ke, everything would seem logical.

Without pausing to count his spoils, Sujian slipped away unseen.

...

Back home, Sujian allowed himself to relax completely.

Although his actions tonight weren’t entirely in line with his usual cautious nature, he hadn’t strayed too far from his principles. He had no desire for such trouble, but to achieve his goal, he had no choice but to take extra care.

This “Summon Player” mode, he thought, deserved another poor review. Every summoned “player” was a disappointment—and none of them ever listened.

He felt like a weary old father.

...

At that moment, Longhu was deeply troubled. He had searched all over Yingdu, especially the places indicated by the young girl, but found no trace of Sujian or Zhao Qianxue. With no other option, he reluctantly took out his communication jade.

The girl’s phantom appeared.

Longhu briefly explained his situation, then waited for her scolding.

She frowned and said, “They’re right there, in the courtyard within your line of sight.”

Longhu hesitated, frustration in his voice. “But... I’ve been watching this place for ages and haven’t seen any sign of them.”

The girl let out a bitter laugh, “Idiot! They’re being hunted by the Righteous Alliance—they wouldn’t show themselves openly. They must have disguised themselves. You were already fooled by them back in Lingchuan!”

Longhu was speechless.

He was truly helpless. He’d kept his distance and couldn’t see through their disguises. Although it was understandable, he had still overlooked the possibility.

The girl’s expression softened with resignation. “Keep a close watch on them. Report any movement to me immediately.”

...

Soon, dusk fell.

Zhao Qianxue returned from her shop, face alight with joy, eager to share her news with Sujian. “Guess how many spirit stones I earned today?”

This time, Sujian didn’t dampen her excitement. He played along, “Ten thousand?”

Her smile froze instantly. “...It was thirty.”

Sujian laughed and praised her, “See? I was right—business is your true talent.”

He didn’t feel disappointed; he had no intention of getting rich overnight.

Earlier, he had checked the storage rings from Wang Yourong and the four Nascent Soul cultivators and found only about seven hundred spirit stones in total.