Chapter 908: The Third Stratagem Openly Repair the Plank Road, Secretly Cross at Chencang

"Beep."

"Congratulations, trial taker Mu Xiaogong, for pulling out the Dragon Lord Flag and activating the Dragon Vein Great Array, becoming the Fourth Dragon Vein Dragon Lord!"

At the same moment Xu Xiaoshou pulled out the Dragon Lord Flag, all trial takers in the Yunlun Mountains received this prompt simultaneously.

Xu Xiaoshou stowed the Dragon Lord Flag away and could feel the power of the Fourth Dragon Vein's Great Array enhancing him first and foremost.

His physical body, reflexes, and spiritual energy recovery speed—all these attributes were clearly sharpening under the array's boost.

But!

It was better than nothing.

For others, such improvements to basic attributes could skyrocket their combat ability by several levels.

Yet Xu Xiaoshou already had so many passive skills layered on him.

The Dragon Vein power was strong, but it only added the final touch.

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but reflect that his array of passive skills was basically like carrying the power of a Dragon Vein Great Array with him at all times during fights...

With the Dragon Lord born, the Dragon Vein Great Array activated automatically.

Xu Xiaoshou received the array token reward from the Fourth Dragon Vein.

This was a king-level array, perfect for defending a mountain against hordes of innate or master-level opponents.

Unless they faced an extraordinarily powerful master genius who could fight across realms and ignore the array's power entirely.

Like Xu Shao...

"Not bad at all."

Xu Xiaoshou weighed the array token in his hand, got familiar with how to use the Dragon Vein Great Array, and put on a beaming expression, as if overjoyed at becoming the Dragon Lord.

"Congratulations, Mu Gang Leader!"

"Hè xǐ to Mu Gang Leader!"

On the mountain peak, the various team captains chimed in with flattery at just the right moment, making Mu Gang Leader feel like he was on cloud nine.

Xu Xiaoshou played up his delight to the fullest, then got down to business with an air of authority: "Now that this young lady has become the Dragon Lord, the next step is to appoint the Eight Dragon Guards. So, who among you wants to lead an expedition to the other Dragon Veins?"

Xu Gang didn't lack talent.

But the Dragon Vein Great Array was a bit overwhelming for ordinary trial takers.

Those capable of leading forces to break through a Dragon Vein Great Array—well, right now on this mountain, probably only standouts like Rong Dahao, Luo Yin, and Su Qianqian could manage it.

People like Zhao Xiu, Xiao Jing, and Mo Beibei? Even if you gave them plenty of manpower to attack other Dragon Veins, the outcome was still uncertain.

After all, only four had claimed the Dragon Lord title so far.

Besides the Fourth Dragon Vein, they were Jiang Xian of the First, Tang Zheng of the Sixth, and Gu Qing San of the Eighth.

"Xu Shao, Mu Gang Leader!"

After thinking it over, Rong Dahao spoke up: "The First, Sixth, and Eighth Dragon Veins have already been taken. Their holders control the Dragon Vein Great Arrays, so breaking through again would be tough and time-consuming."

"But the others are different..."

He paused before continuing: "The other Dragon Veins haven't produced a Dragon Lord yet, which means the fighting is fierce, but no one has stood out. We should start with those— it'll be easier."

Everyone knew this already.

Rong Dahao was just saying it to spare Mu Gang Leader's feelings.

How could Xu Xiaoshou not know?

But with the Mu Xiaogong persona, he had to play it a bit simple, so he brightened up and clapped: "Well said!"

Everyone: ...

Xu Xiaojiji thought for a moment and figured that since Xu Ye wasn't stepping in to manage things, he should say what needed to be said himself.

He had a full grasp of the situation in the Yunlun Mountains.

"Let me share my thoughts!"

As soon as he spoke, everyone turned to him, listening attentively.

Xu Xiaojiji looked confident and spoke clearly: "We'll hold onto the Dragon Guard flags for now. Whoever leads an expedition and claims another Dragon Vein Lord position will get a spot as a Fourth Dragon Vein Guard."

"Xu Gang has nearly a thousand members, but if we split into nine teams, our strength will be spread too thin."

"In my view, send out two teams at a time. Have the captains divide into two groups, seize the Dragon Veins first, then use the Great Array to hold the mountain while the rest return to the Fourth Dragon Vein and gather forces to conquer the others."

As soon as he said this, everyone nodded in agreement.

It was exactly the best approach they had in mind.

"So, who's going to fight?"

Xu Xiaoshou tilted his head and asked at the right moment.

All the captains stood up at once.

"I'll go!"

"I can!"

"I'll take one for Xu Gang!"

Everyone jumped in, even Luo Yin.

After all, becoming a Dragon Lord meant a million points—who wouldn't want to earn merits?

"I..."

Xiao Wanfeng started to speak but hesitated, then decided to keep quiet and stick to serving tea.

"What's your take on this?"

Xu Xiaojiji looked at him.

This young man had been specially noted by Xu Ye—he wasn't just an ordinary tea server and deserved attention.

Everyone glanced over.

Xiao Wanfeng got nervous and stammered: "I do have some thoughts, but..."

"Speak freely."

Xu Xiaojiji encouraged him.

Xiao Wanfeng perked up, recalling the encouragement Xu Shao had given him outside the camp last night, and grew more confident: "In my opinion, winning the Nine Dragon Lords title is going to be tough."

"Not to mention elsewhere, just those three Dragon Veins that have been taken— their lords, Jiang Xian, Tang Zheng, and Gu Qing San—we don't have many people here who can match them."

Everyone's expressions turned serious.

It was a point they'd deliberately overlooked, but it was crucial.

Xiao Wanfeng gripped his tea tray, waited a beat to see no one objecting, and went on: "For the Dragon Veins without a lord yet, we can send regular forces. But our top fighters need to be reserved specifically to take on those heavyweights."

"Jiang Xian is a semi-saint heir—Xu Shao can handle him; Tang Zheng is incredibly strong in one-on-one—Rong Ge or Luo Ge could manage; but Gu Qing San..."

Xiao Wanfeng stopped there.

Everyone's faces darkened.

Gu Qing San, that terrifying sword path king who dared to challenge Dao Severing experts and led a dozen trial officials on a rampage through the Yunlun Mountains—who could beat him?

Xu Shao might, but if Xu Shao went after Gu Qing San, who would deal with Jiang Xian?

Rong Dahao thought for a while and said: "The biggest issue is, whoever from us becomes a lord on another vein is basically tied down defending it. In terms of elite power, Xu Gang is strong, but not strong enough to dominate the entire Yunlun Mountains trial."

Everyone fell silent.

It was the truth, undeniable.

Winning the Nine Dragon Lords title was indeed a challenge.

Xu Xiaoshou, however, had plenty of plans—over a dozen ways to resolve this.

But as Mu Xiaogong, even if he was anxious inside, he had to act carefree, blinking his big eyes at the others with an expression that said, "Can you do it? Why not look at me?"

Everyone avoided his gaze.

Until Xu Xiaoshou locked eyes with Su Qianqian.

As soon as their eyes met, Su Qianqian looked away, toward Xu Xiaojiji, and said seriously: "The Eighth Dragon Vein—Gu Shixiong's vein—I can help you take it. Consider it repayment for your kindness before."

Earlier, she and Xiao Wanfeng had been targeted by Jiang Xian and Duo Er over the spatial source stone, nearly getting kicked out of the Yunlun Mountains, until Xu Gang stepped in to resolve it.

But everyone knew that even without Xu Gang, Su Qianqian's Gu Shixiong could have handled it.

Gu Qing San had led his trial officials away, but with his words "Who dares touch my junior sister," Su Qianqian was safe.

Jiang Xian and Duo Er, as semi-saint heirs, had their constraints.

At most, they'd just take the spatial source stone without harming her.

Of course, that was all for show, to fool the Yun Realm world's controllers.

For Su Qianqian, as long as her little beast brother was here, she didn't need other reasons. She could hand over the Eighth Dragon Vein just like that.

She had sought out Xiao Wanfeng to find her little beast brother, and all she wanted was a simple farewell.

A farewell to Tiansang Spiritual Palace, to Tiansang City, to all the past...

After the Yunlun Mountains ended, Su Qianqian had only one path left—Jian Zang Tomb!

Xu Xiaojiji felt a bit uncomfortable under Su Qianqian's serious gaze.

He knew her background.

She was Xu Ye's good friend, like a little sister.

But due to their identities, he couldn't reveal it outright—the act had to go on.

So Xu Xiaojiji waved his hand and laughed: "I acted for Xiao Wanfeng's sake. If you protect one of ours, then technically, I owe you a favor."

Su Qianqian replied calmly: "You do yours, I'll do mine. I'm giving you the Eighth Dragon Vein, and Gu Shixiong will agree. He's grateful to you all too."

Xu Xiaojiji chuckled: "Then that's two favors!"

Su Qianqian's lips curved slightly, then her expression turned serene again: "Fine."

Xu Xiaoshou watched from the side, his heart feeling complex.

Su Qianqian didn't realize that he was actually Mu Xiaogong and that Xu Shao had been replaced by Xu Xiaojiji.

In just a few exchanges, they were discussing big matters, not trivial details, so it was normal she hadn't spotted Xu Shao's true identity.

But this girl had come all this way to the Yunlun Mountains to find her little beast brother, even mentioning Gu Shixiong and Jian Zang Tomb multiple times, yet she didn't dare state her purpose outright, afraid of exposing Xu Shao's identity...

Others might not see it, but Xu Xiaoshou saw it clearly.

Su Qianqian's elaborate efforts were really just for one small thing, something insignificant to others but vital to her.

—Farewell!

Xu Xiaoshou felt a pang of bitterness.

In just a few months, he had experienced so much.

From Tiansang Spiritual Palace to Tiansang City, to Bai Ku, to East Heaven King City, and now the Yunlun Mountains...

His journey had been thrilling; he'd met many interesting people and figured out things he couldn't before.

But Su Qianqian seemed to have gone through even more; her whole demeanor had changed.

The clan extermination tragedy, the burden of clan revival...

All that weight on her young, slender shoulders—if it were anyone else, even an adult, they might have broken.

But not Su Qianqian.

She was the sword holder of the former Ming Jian Tomb and Ming City Xue; she never forgot her original intent.

Coming here was probably because she'd gained the opportunity from Jian Zang Tomb and wanted to bid farewell to the past, to start a new journey.

And that new beginning, along with forgetting the old pains, meant this "final farewell"...

By some twist of fate, it ended up directed at a stranger, Xu Xiaojiji.

Xu Xiaoshou saw what Su Qianqian wanted to express to him and heard what she wanted to say last, but she poured all those feelings onto the stand-in.

And ironically, this was happening right in front of the real person.

Life is like a play...

Xu Xiaoshou sighed inwardly.

He had this strange feeling: "The outsider watches the play, the players act the scene, and the scene plays for the outsider."

It was bizarre.

Though this three-way dynamic was as fragile as paper, some irresistible force kept any of them from breaking it.

Like birds in a cage, helpless and resigned.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Xu Xiaoshou suddenly said: "Thank you."

Su Qianqian looked over in surprise.

Mu Xiaogong—in her memory, he was Xu Shao's junior sister, though they hadn't met much in the spiritual palace.

Why was she thanking her out of the blue?

"Just as a way to repay."

Su Qianqian responded politely.

"You still deserve thanks. Xu Shao doesn't like saying it, so I'll say it for him."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled.

Su Qianqian froze.

She looked at the green-skirted young girl in front of her and saw the earnestness in her eyes.

After a pause, Su Qianqian smiled back.

"You're welcome."

Xu Gang mobilized.

Under Mu Gang Leader's command, the main forces of the Fourth Dragon Vein scattered poisonous seeds across the mountain and its base, then set out, ready to counter any attackers and make a strong exit.

No one in Xu Gang worried about their home base being hit.

In fact, they hoped attackers wouldn't provoke Mu Gang Leader—otherwise, the consequences would be disastrous.

As for the Dragon Veins to attack, only Su Qianqian dared to go alone to the Eighth.

The rest of Xu Gang's forces split into two large teams.

Led by Tai Xing and Mo Beibei, carrying the Dragon Guard flags and protected by Luo Yin, Rong Dahao, and others, they headed to seize Dragon Veins without lords.

Once successful, Luo Yin, Rong Dahao, and the other team leaders would be freed up, then lead the rest of Xu Gang to other areas.

And so it would cycle.

Until all nine Dragon Veins were claimed.

With peak fighters in short supply, they had to use them wisely.

That was Xiao Wanfeng's strategy.

Xu Shao—or rather, Xu Xiaojiji—had adopted it outright.

As for Mu Gang Leader...

Not a single Xu Gang member worried about a raid.

It was like an empty fort strategy.

Or more accurately, Mu Gang Leader had the ability to take on a hundred with one, as long as she had the terrain advantage!

On the Fourth Dragon Vein,

Xu Xiaoshou "watched" as everyone left; only a dozen or so remained around him, for appearances' sake.

After all, "Mu Xiaogong" needed a daily life, interactions, and ways to vent emotions to prove to Rao Yao Yao and the others in red that the Fourth Dragon Vein's lord was perfectly normal.

But whether she really was normal... that was another story.

Xu Xiaoshou had long prepared a portrait clone for Mu Xiaogong in his Yuanfu World. Whenever needed, he could bring it out to handle her daily routines.

The portrait clone couldn't fight,

But defending a mountain was a passive task, which suited it perfectly.

As for whether the Fourth Dragon Vein would face attackers...

Even if someone did come, the poisonous seeds at the base were the first line of defense.

Survive that poisonous assault, then break through the Dragon Vein Great Array, and only then would they be worthy of facing the Fourth Dragon Vein Lord.

And in that time, it would be more than enough for Xu Xiaoshou to switch between his real self and the portrait clone.

Distance wasn't an issue.

With "Disappearing Technique," "One Step to Heaven," and "Full of Vitality," everything was perfectly covered.

As for why all these backups...

Xu Xiaoshou stood quietly on the Fourth Dragon Vein's peak, his spiritual thoughts shifting to his portrait clone, the storyteller.

Hetero-death.

The Shengshen Hall must be making big moves.

His focus from now on had to be on that.

So the question was:

"How can I get the storyteller discovered by the enforcers—deliberately, yet seemingly by accident?"