"I've come to offer you a word of caution, young hero," Murong Xiaoxiao said.
Chen Guo inquired, "What is it that you wish to caution me about?"
"What are your thoughts on the Yellow Wind Taoist?" Murong Xiaoxiao asked.
Chen Guo responded nonchalantly, "From what I've heard, the Yellow Wind Taoist is a formidable master from the Mount Weng Sect, with exceptional strength. His magical prowess seems quite robust, although he appears to be in poor health. I've also heard that he's your trusted lieutenant. With such a capable individual at your side, your governance over Acomb City must be as secure as a fortress!"
Murong Xiaoxiao corrected him, "That may be the common perception, but I must tell you, the Yellow Wind Taoist is far from being a good man."
"Oh?" Chen Guo raised an eyebrow. "Isn't the Yellow Wind Taoist your trusted aide? What makes you say otherwise?"
Murong Xiaoxiao explained with gravity, "From the moment the Yellow Wind Taoist joined me, he harbored ulterior motives, aiming to take control of Acomb City. Thankfully, my vigilance has kept him at bay, and he has yet to succeed. He has repeatedly concocted schemes to harm me, all of which I've managed to thwart. Despite his outward appearance of righteousness, he harbors a cruel and vile heart. He is utterly contemptible and not to be associated with closely."
Puzzled, Chen Guo asked, "If the Yellow Wind Taoist is such a villain and poses a threat to you, why not eliminate him?"
Murong Xiaoxiao replied with a sense of resignation, "Firstly, the Yellow Wind Taoist's abilities are not to be underestimated; I'm not confident I could defeat him easily. Secondly, Acomb City faces numerous threats, and the Yellow Wind Taoist is a valuable asset. I'm compelled to leverage his strength. When weighed against the survival of a hundred thousand citizens, my personal affronts are trivial."
Chen Guo, visibly moved, exclaimed, "I see! Your concern for the people and willingness to endure for the sake of the nation is truly commendable!"
Murong Xiaoxiao let out a sigh, "This is why I must warn you, young hero. Your emergence and the power you wield have disrupted Acomb City's delicate balance. The Yellow Wind Taoist will surely try to ensnare you, hoping to use your strength against me. Please, do not fall for his machinations, lest you fall victim to his treachery."
Chen Guo spoke with conviction, "Knowing he's not a good man, I don't take his words to heart. Rest assured, City Lord, he won't find it easy to manipulate me!"
"After we eliminate the Black Mountain King, you're free to choose any treasure from my vault! Moreover, I'm prepared to offer you the role of vice city lord, currently held by the Yellow Wind Taoist," Murong Xiaoxiao proposed.
"What about the Yellow Wind Taoist if I take up the vice city lord position?" Chen Guo inquired.
"I can put up with the Yellow Wind Taoist temporarily, but not indefinitely. Once the Black Mountain King is out of the picture, Acomb City's greatest threat will be no more. I'll then be able to deal with the Yellow Wind Taoist. Even if we can't kill him, we can certainly banish him. Your assistance would be invaluable," Murong Xiaoxiao explained.
"The Yellow Wind Taoist's malice is clear. I will certainly stand with you, City Lord, to eradicate him," Chen Guo affirmed with a nod.
Delighted, Murong Xiaoxiao continued, "Young Hero, your integrity is evident. I have a daughter of unparalleled beauty. Once this affair concludes, I'll introduce her to you. Should you find favor with each other, you could become my son-in-law. And when the time comes, I would entrust Acomb City's legacy to someone as just as you."
Chen Guo chuckled, "That's quite a leap, but as a bachelor, if she captures my heart, then naturally, as the saying goes, 'Like mandarin ducks and butterfly pairs, the gentleman seeks his perfect match.' Haha... The affection between a man and a woman is the very essence of human nature, right, City Lord?"
"Indeed, I've said all that needs to be said. You're well aware of the Yellow Wind Taoist's vile schemes. Now, I shall take my leave," Murong Xiaoxiao said, "I won't impose on your rest any longer. We'll meet again tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow," Chen Guo responded with a nod.
As Murong Xiaoxiao departed, Chen Guo's expression turned to a sly grin.
Murong Xiaoxiao's tactics were clear – disparage the Yellow Wind Taoist while offering enticing rewards, using her own daughter and the position of City Lord as leverage.
If it were a young, hot-blooded hero, he might indeed fall for Murong Xiaoxiao's charms.
But for a seasoned player like Chen Guo, Murong Xiaoxiao's little ploy didn't stand a chance. He couldn't say he disbelieved every word she said, but he maintained a healthy skepticism towards her entire spiel.
"Trying to use me, huh? Do they really think I'm some naive kid?"
Chen Guo mused to himself, then suddenly, his attention was drawn to the candle.
Candles were a rare commodity in this world. As a result, once night fell, Acomb City was shrouded in darkness, save for the City Lord's Mansion, which glowed with light.
Only the City Lord's Mansion could afford to burn candles so lavishly.
Chen Guo wasn't interested in the candle itself; to him, it was utterly worthless. What caught his eye was the magical energy pulsing within the candlelight.
At first, a blurry figure appeared in the glow, which gradually sharpened into the distinct form of the Yellow Wind Taoist.
The Yellow Wind Taoist scanned the room and remarked, "It looks like the City Lord has already been here!"
Chen Guo replied, "Is this a spell from Mount Wai? It's quite remarkable, projecting your image through candlelight. Quite fascinating."
The Yellow Wind Taoist explained, "Our Mount Wai magic is renowned for its illusions. This is just one of them. I only dared to use this particular illusion to meet with you, young hero. It's less likely to alert the City Lord. I didn't expect her to seek you out tonight, but she did. She's clearly wary of me at every turn!"
"Oh?" Chen Guo responded, "The City Lord did stop by earlier, spoke at length, and seemed to hold me in high regard."
"Did she speak ill of me?" asked the Yellow Wind Taoist.
Chen Guo nodded, "She painted you as a contemptible scoundrel, warning me to be cautious and not to take your words at face value. She also offered me a host of advantages. Alas, I had imagined Acomb City, being so small, would be more harmonious internally. Yet, it turns out you two are locked in a hidden struggle, far from the harmony the rumors suggest."
Yellow Wind Taoist spoke, "So, Young Hero, would you be open to hearing a few words from me? Do you put any stock in what the City Lord has claimed?"
Chen Guo replied, "There's a saying, 'listening to both sides will enlighten you.' I don't trust either of you, but I'm willing to hear you out."
Yellow Wind Taoist continued, "My visit this time is to warn you that you're in grave danger without realizing it."