Chapter 20: Myriad Formation Summit (1/2)

Lu Yun clasped his hands behind his back and stood on the shore of the lake, silently observing the situation for a long moment before responding softly, “You are the lord of Duskwater City, I presume?”

“Indeed. This subordinate is at your service, Your Excellency.” Despite her humble words, there was no trace of deference to be seen in her mien.

“You wish to kill me?” Lu Yun asked without a flicker of change in his expression. Since she was aware of his identity, she was likely involved in today’s events.

However, the girl shook her head with a slight frown. “I wouldn’t need such convoluted ploys if I actually wanted you dead,” she sighed. “I may be the city lord, but I am not the lord of the city.”

“Oh?” Lu Yun turned pensive.

“Duskwater Prefecture is administered by a prefect. He’s the true master here, both in the city and in the prefecture.” Ruefulness flashed on her face. “Today was probably his doing.”

“The prefect, eh?” Lu Yun nodded lightly.

The city lord’s jurisdiction was limited to the city itself, whereas the prefect was an official dispatched by the imperial court to govern the entire prefecture. The position holder also needed to be an immortal. The two conditions combined naturally gave the latter greater authority.

Dusk City also used to be governed by city lords, but one of them was promoted to a provincial governor at some point, unifying the two titles henceforth. Most city lords were mere figureheads, and the real power lay in the hands of the court officials.

Case in point, the girl in front of him.

And indeed, a single finger of hers would suffice to kill him, if she were so inclined. Why go through all the hassle of the previous song and dance?

“How did you learn of my arrival?”

“Milord governor, you carry the provincial seal with you. It can manipulate the energy of heaven and earth within the entire province and command all formations in every city within its borders. Any city lord or local official will immediately sense your presence the moment you set foot inside a city,” the girl explained. “As for today, it was indeed my intention to call upon you, but that ‘Li Youcai’ was one step ahead of me. I didn’t anticipate this plot of his.”

“Li Youcai?” Lu Yun blinked. What an amusing name. The characters literally mean ‘Li has talent’.

“He’s the prefect I mentioned earlier.” With a wave of her hand, the girl summoned a rainbow bridge that ended at Lu Yun’s feet.

In silent wonderment, he set foot on it and quickly arrived beside the girl clad in men’s clothing. This is what a genuine immortal can do. She’s on a completely different level than my four Infernum.

A fresh and elegant scent exuded from her, imparting refreshment and alleviating worries in its wake.

He took a seat across from her and studied her carefully, then asked, “Why were you looking for me?”

“My name is Mo Yi,” she proffered after a moment of silence.

“Mm… that’s a good name.” With an embarrassed cough, Lu Yun squeezed out a few random words after an awkward silence.

“Your Excellency, I want to strike a deal with you.” Mo Yi thought for a moment. “I’ll protect you during the Sacrament and help you survive the trial. In exchange, you’ll help me handle Li Youcai.”

“That’s not much of a deal.” Lu Yun shook his head. “Even without your help, no one will be able to kill me during the ritual.”

Mo Yi fell silent.

“As an official appointed by the imperial court, Li Youcai also answers to me… I have little to gain by clashing with him,” added Lu Yun

“But he wants you dead.” Mo Yi bit her lip.

“So do many others,” Lu Yun chuckled. “What’s one more?”

Mo Yi quietly considered her options. For now, she was a mere figurehead without any real authority to speak of.

“Since you’re the city lord, you must know if there are ancient tombs nearby.” Lu Yun suddenly changed the topic.