Gu Zhan smiled slightly and said, "Magistrate Chen, please sit."

Chen Xian bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Inspector."

After sitting down, Chen Xian exchanged a few words with Gu Zhan; it was simply to become acquainted, and he handled the timing and measure well, just enough so Gu Zhan wouldn’t find it tedious. Then he cupped his hands and said, "Inspector, I came today mainly to inform you of some news: Lu Yuan Dao, led by the Danyang Sect, Wu Family of Changjing River, and Yu Family of Spring God Mountain—these three super first-class forces—along with over ten other first-class forces of varying size, are joining together to sanction Beidou Bang!"

"Sanction Beidou Bang?" Gu Zhan raised his brow.

"Yes," Chen Xian said, "At present, the Danyang Sect has secretly contacted the major forces of Lu Yuan Dao. They’ll begin to target Beidou Bang, probably soon after the New Year."

Gu Zhan frowned. He wasn’t puzzled about why Lu Yuan Dao’s various sects were moving against Beidou Bang—after all, once violence erupts, who bothers with righteous justification?

He was just a bit surprised that the major forces of Lu Yuan Dao truly dare to actively start a war with Beidou Bang. This wasn’t like back when Mo Jingzhou invaded Lu Yuan Dao.

Back then, Mo Jingzhou’s attack on the Danyang Sect was met with joint resistance from Lu Yuan Dao’s Martial Arts factions—that was the classic "If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold"—Beidou Bang was too strong; if they entered Lu Yuan Dao, those forces would have no space to survive. Just as in Canglan Dao, one Beidou Bang’s presence led to Canglan Dao, decades on, being dominated by a single Beidou Bang.

But now the situation is different,

Though he was planning to strike at Lu Yuan Dao, he hadn’t actually done so yet—he hadn’t created that oppressive atmosphere, yet the Lu Yuan Dao forces dared to take the initiative in a fight.

Was this contempt for Beidou Bang or for Gu Zhan himself?

Beidou Bang is still Beidou Bang, only the Gang Leader has changed,

The meaning was clear—they were looking down on Gu Zhan.

"They really look down on me?" Gu Zhan said.

Chen Xian paused, then quickly caught on, understanding Gu Zhan’s point, and hurriedly said, "Sir, my second purpose in coming today is precisely about the question you’ve raised.

With your current Martial World prestige, almost matching Dragon King in his youth, and Beidou Bang much stronger than before after years of buildup, under normal circumstances—without absolute pressure—those Lu Yuan Dao forces wouldn’t dare to provoke Beidou Bang. Danyang Sect may command respect in Lu Yuan Dao, but even they lack such unifying power."

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes and said, "So, the Astronomical Bureau must know something else?"

"Yes, sir," Chen Xian replied, "According to covert spies from Lu Yuan Dao, the Danyang Sect is secretly organizing Lu Yuan Dao’s major forces to join in sanctioning Beidou Bang. The operation’s smooth progress owes mainly to a hidden mastermind pushing things from behind.

But the opposing force is exceptionally secretive. Our agents from the Astronomical Bureau haven’t been able to uncover their identity; all we know is that someone is assisting the Danyang Sect from the shadows."

Gu Zhan picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, then asked, "Any other news?"

Chen Xian cupped his hands and said, "Two more reports: First, in Ten Thousand Mountains, the Moon Worship Sect is acting swiftly—they’ve already absorbed many Demon Sects and begun efforts to unify the Demon Dao.

The second matter: In Yunzhou, a new demon has emerged recently—no one knows his identity; a man wearing a ghost-faced mask, extremely ruthless, wiped out the Celestial Sword Alliance in one stroke."

Gu Zhan was stunned, "Celestial Sword Alliance wiped out?"

"Yes," Chen Xian said, "In a single night, over three thousand died at the Celestial Sword Alliance headquarters—blood everywhere, carnage unimaginable; only a handful escaped. The ghost-masked man acted, and after eliminating Celestial Sword Alliance, he went on to destroy four or five more sects, as well as several villages—completely slaughtered. The man’s actions are so mysterious and elusive that, by the time Astronomical Bureau responded, there was no trace left."

Gu Zhan frowned and asked, "Celestial Sword Alliance annihilated, Qi Baiyu never appeared?"

"No," Chen Xian said, "There’s no trace of Qi Baiyu in the Martial World right now."

Gu Zhan nodded, "Understood."

Chen Xian stood and cupped his hands, "Sir, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. If you have orders, please send word to me at Thirteen Lanes."

Gu Zhan nodded lightly.

Chen Xian slowly withdrew from the hall and departed.

Once Chen Xian left, Nangong Weiyang stepped out from behind the screen and said slowly, "Lord, the Astronomical Bureau’s spy network is truly formidable!"

Gu Zhan chuckled, "The Astronomical Bureau absorbed most of the power from the former Embroidered Uniform Guard, and back then, what made the Embroidered Uniform Guard so feared was its ruthless officials and inescapable intelligence."

Nangong Weiyang nodded, "So, regarding Lu Yuan Dao, how does Lord plan to proceed?"

Gu Zhan sighed softly, "Originally, I wanted them to enjoy a peaceful New Year, but since they insist on seeking death themselves—no need for New Year’s—they can use their holiday supplies at the funeral instead!"

With that, Gu Zhan turned to Nangong Weiyang and said, "Nangong, when the time comes, you and Sword One will hide and command from the shadows; I’ll lead the primary assault, and you’ll provide support. This time, I’m taking the whole of Lu Yuan Dao!"