Chapter 31: I, Shen, Do Not Merely Want the Shen Family Dead!

"Lord City Lord, Master Shen Lang's handmaiden has sent word for you to go over at once."

Guiyun City. Within the City Lord's Mansion.

Wu Yong, who was in the middle of changing into his official robes, raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "Shen Lang is looking for me? What could he possibly want?"

The guard standing outside the door shook his head. "He didn't say, only that you should hurry over."

*Tsk.*

Wu Yong clicked his tongue, his expression turning grave. A man’s reputation precedes him, and over the past few days, the tales of Shen Lang’s formidable nature had been ringing in Wu Yong’s ears like thunder. Being summoned alone by such a person made him deeply uneasy.

Nearby, Zhou Qingqing, who was busy grooming herself, looked at his expression with open disdain. "Look at you, you coward. Can't you even figure out such a simple thing?"

Wu Yong frowned. "You know what this is about?"

Zhou Qingqing sneered. "Ha, it’s as obvious as a louse on a bald head. That Shen Lang started demanding fine food and wine the moment he entered the city; it’s clear he’s a corrupt official. He’s summoning you alone just to put the squeeze on you, to make you offer him some bribes. But let me warn you, this is Guiyun City—don't you dare give that piece of trash a single spirit stone. Do you hear me?"

Stung by her reprimand, a shadow crossed Wu Yong’s eyes, yet he had to admit she was likely right. Even if it weren't about taxes, Shen Lang was undoubtedly looking to extort him. With that thought in mind, Wu Yong left without another word and headed toward First Tower.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, a hearty laugh rang out outside Shen Lang's door. "I was just about to send word that Master Shen could be served, but I didn't expect you to summon me first."

As the voice faded, Wu Yong walked into the room with a face full of smiles. However, once inside, the smile vanished. The sight of Shen Lang’s grim expression made his heart shudder for no apparent reason. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, Shen Lang suddenly roared, "Nalan, take this derelict, good-for-nothing official into custody!"

Having already anticipated Shen Lang’s move, Nalan Yanran did not hesitate. Almost the instant the words left his lips, she drew her sword and pressed the blade against Wu Yong’s neck. Feeling the biting chill of the steel, Wu Yong’s expression shifted wildly. "Master Shen, what is the meaning of this?"

"It means nothing more than carrying out His Majesty’s imperial decree to execute a derelict official on the spot!"

Wu Yong didn't believe a word of it. "Master Shen, we are both smart people. Why the theatrics? Just tell me how many spirit stones you want, and I will have them prepared!"

Shen Lang gave a dismissive laugh. "It’s true that I am fond of spirit stones, but His Majesty’s decree is also real. Nalan, carry out the sentence!"

Though Nalan Yanran couldn't quite grasp what Shen Lang was planning, she could see he wasn't joking. She immediately swung her sword, aiming to decapitate him.

*Damn it, they’re playing for keeps!* Sensing the approach of death, Wu Yong dared not gamble any longer. A terrifying aura erupted from his body, throwing Nalan Yanran backward.

"Golden Core peak—no wonder His Majesty sent me to deal with you personally!" Shen Lang said, his eyes indifferent as he produced a weapon.

Wu Yong’s face was now as dark as a storm. He had never imagined that a private meeting would be a setup for his execution. However, seeing that Shen Lang’s cultivation was only at the ninth level of Qi Refining, a flicker of viciousness appeared in his eyes.

"Master Shen, do you really think I’m so easy to bully? Push me any further, and I’m afraid you won’t be walking out of Guiyun City alive!"

"Heh..." Shen Lang glanced at him with contempt. "Feel free to try."

"Since you’re courting death, I’ll grant your wish!" With a shout, a long blade appeared in Wu Yong’s hand, and he slashed fiercely at Shen Lang’s head.

Shen Lang didn't even bother to dodge; he simply watched him with detachment.

*Clang!*

The next second, as the blade struck Shen Lang, a jarring metallic screech echoed through the entire room.

"How is this possible?" Wu Yong stared blankly at Shen Lang’s calm face, a sense of indescribable dread rising in his heart.

Shen Lang looked back, unmoved. "Still want to resist?"

"I don't believe it! You must have some kind of protective artifact!" Roaring, Wu Yong’s aura surged again, and his blade began to glow with lethal intent.

Nalan Yanran watched from the side, shaking her head. Perhaps others didn't understand how monstrous the Nine-Turn Profound Art was, but as one of those practicing it, she knew perfectly well. Once this technique reached the third stage, anyone who wasn't an absolute peerless genius couldn't even break its defense.

The reality proved her right. Wu Yong’s full-force strike not only failed to harm Shen Lang, but it also left a notch in his own blade. Realizing he had run into a brick wall, Wu Yong abandoned all thoughts of killing Shen Lang.

Instead, he dropped to his knees in terror, pleading, "Master Shen, it was the Zhou family who ordered me not to collect the taxes! I didn't dare to defy them!"

"That is not my concern," Shen Lang replied coldly.

Trembling violently, Wu Yong scrambled to save his life. "Master Shen, please give me a chance to redeem myself! I guarantee I will make up the tax shortfall within three days!"

Seeing that Wu Yong was finally getting the picture, Shen Lang sat on a stool and calmly picked up a cup of tea. "I didn't come here for the tax money."

Wu Yong was no fool. Hearing this, he instantly realized what Shen Lang wanted. He hurriedly chimed in, "I can report the Zhou family for corruption and breaking the law!"

"Heh..." Shen Lang beckoned to him. Wu Yong crawled forward on his knees with practiced obedience. Shen Lang patted his face, smiling. "It isn't just the Zhou family that I want dead. Do you understand?"

*Hiss...*

Wu Yong’s pupils contracted violently. He realized that Shen Lang was moving against the Eight Kings of the realm, and he had been chosen as a pawn. Recognizing his position, he trembled and kowtowed. "This servant is willing to die for his master!"

Looking at Wu Yong’s fawning display, a cold smirk curled the corner of Shen Lang’s mouth. He never trusted verbal promises, especially in matters of great consequence—he preferred to rely on life and death.

"System, do you have any poison that can control people?"

"Yes. The Puppet Pill. Each costs 100,000 Grudge Points. As long as your cultivation is higher than the target's, the effect is permanent and cannot be dispelled."

Hearing the price, Shen Lang glanced at his meager balance of Grudge Points and asked, "Is there anything else? Just something that can't be cured."

"Yes. The Eternal God-Slaying Pill. 5,000 Grudge Points each. If the user does not receive the antidote within seven days, they will rot away and die."

*Damn, that expensive?* Shen Lang felt like swearing. But considering Wu Yong's current status and future utility, he decided to make the exchange.

[Ding! Deducted 5,000 Grudge Points!]
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained the Eternal God-Slaying Pill!]

Looking at the pill in his inventory, Shen Lang looked at Wu Yong with cold indifference. "I don't believe in loyalty. Swallow this, and I’ll let you keep your miserable life."

Wu Yong gasped in horror. "This... this is the Eternal God-Slaying Pill!"