Chapter 689 212: Interlocking Stratagems, Shen Bai Closes the Net

Lingyun Dao, the Observatory.

For some time now, Shen Bai had been intensely training in the Life and Death Storage Skill.

In his spare time, he had also been continuously gathering intelligence on Zhao Feng, the "Cloud-Piercing Arrow."

Shen Bai had gathered a fair amount of information on this man from the Great Yue Country's Evil Extermination Bureau.

The man had recently been visiting the major factions of Lingyun Dao. As for his specific activities and motives, the Observatory had since investigated and found no violations.

Red Makeup poured a cup of tea, handed it to Shen Bai, and said, "Master, I can't help but feel that Zhao Feng is trying to turn the major Jianghu influences against us. Should we make preparations?"

Shen Bai shook his head. "No need."

Red Makeup was momentarily stunned, not understanding what Shen Bai meant.

'In her mind, if Zhao Feng was truly turning the major factions in secret, they needed to be more careful.'

After all, Lingyun Dao had only just stabilized and couldn't afford any more turmoil.

Shen Bai turned and said, "One step at a time. Let's deal with the Marquis of Ren De first. Zhao Feng's visit isn't just about the Jianghu influences; more importantly, he's here for the Marquis of Ren De. We can't focus on the trivial and ignore the crucial."

Red Makeup nodded and asked no more questions.

'Shen Bai had his own plans. As a Deceitful Beast, Red Makeup would naturally support her master's decisions.'

While Red Makeup said no more, Amber spoke up excitedly.

"Master, are we going to war again soon?"

Shen Bai rested his head on Amber's chest, rubbing her cat ears. "Yes, very soon," he said. "After this battle is over, setting aside the external Demonic Forces for a moment, the internal affairs of Lingyun Dao will be completely stabilized. Then, I can shift all my attention to the Demonic Forces."

As far as Lingyun Dao was concerned, there were currently two main categories of threats.

Internally, there were the Marquis of Ren De and Zhang Dao Ling. Externally, there were the Demonic Forces and the Great Yue Country.

Zhang Dao Ling had already been eliminated, leaving only the Marquis of Ren De.

As long as the internal situation was stabilized, dealing with external threats would be much easier.

Amber nodded, only half-understanding, and began to massage Shen Bai's shoulders.

Outside the door, the sound of footsteps could be heard.

Ding Quan strode in, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Lord Shen, I have completed the task you assigned to me."

Shen Bai's eyes lit up. "Has Yang Chuan finally been won over?"

Ding Quan nodded. "Yes, Lord Shen. Yang Chuan has already sown discord through more than half of the military camps. When the time comes, it will save us a great deal of trouble."

Shen Bai leaned back in his chair. "In that case, we can avoid a large number of soldiers' deaths."

This was his strategy against the Marquis of Ren De.

He could have arrested the Marquis of Ren De immediately, but the army under the Marquis's command was an unstable element.

If a real war broke out, the people of Lingyun Dao would surely suffer immensely.

Now, with more than half of the commanders on his side, the situation was far more stable for Shen Bai.

The Qi in his body circulated as Shen Bai performed the Infinite Divination Skill. A golden light flashed before his eyes, signifying great fortune.

Ding Quan continued, "Lord Shen, I've received another piece of intelligence. In about two or three days, the Marquis of Ren De will hold a great feast for his army to reward the officers and soldiers."

"The Marquis of Ren De released this information himself."

"Oh?"

Shen Bai rubbed his chin. "It seems he plans to play his hand openly now."

Ding Quan nodded. "Currently, all of the Marquis of Ren De's movements are under the Observatory's surveillance. There will definitely be something unusual about this feast; we just don't know what exactly he's planning."

"Don't worry about him," Shen Bai said slowly. "We'll counter whatever he throws at us. Since he enjoys hosting reward banquets, I'll just turn his own plan against him. Have Wang Teng and Ma Yuan immediately arrange for half of the Observatory's personnel to head to the destination before the feast begins."

'Although he said not to worry, Shen Bai still had to prepare a response.'

After finalizing the arrangements, Shen Bai rested his head on Amber's chest again and began to meticulously plan out the details.

Having finished his report, Ding Quan took his leave.

A pensive look appeared in Red Makeup's eyes.

As she pondered, the classical aura about her grew even stronger.

Shen Bai was very fond of this classical aura. The contrast between her classic elegance and her wild passion when they were tumbling in bed together was something that utterly captivated him.

"What are you thinking about?" Shen Bai asked.

Red Makeup came back to her senses, moved closer to Shen Bai, and rested her head on his shoulder. She gently brushed her hand across his chest. "Master, I was just wondering... what exactly is that Zhao Feng planning to do this time?"

She was still thinking about Zhao Feng.

After all, as a Deceitful Beast, it was her duty to share her master's burdens.

She worried that Shen Bai might have overlooked something, so she saw it as her role to cover any gaps.

Shen Bai pinched Red Makeup's cheek. "It's like I said before. This is Lingyun Dao. This is my territory. Whatever he wants to do, he has to do it right under my nose."

"Right now, we just don't have any evidence that he's up to something, and we also have to consider the relationship between the Great Zhou Country and the Great Yue Country."

"But if he really does make a suspicious move, I'll be the first one to arrest him."

Amber declared proudly, "Whatever Master says is right! Master has his reasons!"

This had become Amber's catchphrase.

Red Makeup chuckled. "Sister Amber is right. I suppose I was overthinking things."

Shen Bai took a sip of tea, narrowed his eyes, and said no more.

For the next two days, he chose to continue grinding his Skill Level.

...

Time passed slowly. In the blink of an eye, two days went by.

When the third day arrived, the Marquis of Ren De, already fully dressed, left Lingyun Dao with his close confidants, including his old steward.