Xiang Shaoyun had never considered throwing the weight of his master's name around. However, this was his first time at the Guardians Guild. If he allowed himself to be stepped on, he would embarrass not only himself but also his master.
After the God confirmed that Xiang Shaoyun had a deputy's token, the guards became terrified. If the higher-ups decided to question them, they would probably lose the qualification to become guards and suffer more punishment. They looked at Xiang Shaoyun anxiously and apologetically, hoping that he would not hold them accountable for the misunderstanding.
Xiang Shaoyun naturally wouldn't blame them for something so trivial. He said nonchalantly, "Since you had no idea, you did nothing wrong. Stand up."
They were all gladdened, but they didn't dare to stand up immediately.
Only after showering Xiang Shaoyun with words of gratitude did the God dare to carefully stand up. "Young Master Xiang, is this your first time at the Divine Dominion City?"
"Yes."
"Shall I show you the way to the guild, then?" asked the God.
After some thought, Xiang Shaoyun replied, "It's fine. I wish to take a walk around the city first."
He was a newcomer and knew nothing about the city. He did not wish to enter the guild in his clueless state. He had to first gather more information before deciding on his next path of action.
"Of course. Feel free to reach out to me if you ever need anything, Young Master Xiang," said the God, who seemed somewhat disheartened after being rejected.
He might be a God, but he didn't exactly have a high status in the guild. Xiang Shaoyun might be a chance for him to gain more, but unfortunately for him, Xiang Shaoyun was not a clueless youngster who could be manipulated easily.
After Xiang Shaoyun and company entered the city, they attracted considerable attention. Many people wondered if this outstanding young God would be able to prevail over so many young geniuses.
The Divine Dominion City was the size of a province. The buildings in the city were imposing and glorious, while the streets were much larger than in regular cities. People seated atop demonic beasts and luxurious carriages trailed along the streets. The streets were large enough for them to travel swiftly without bumping against each other.
A multitude of shops stood alongside the streets, all belonging to the guild. All sorts of herbs, cultivation resources, and weapon refining materials could be found in them. Even saint-grade, or even god-grade, items could be purchased if one paid enough.
That was an eye-opener for Xiang Shaoyun and company. Many of these high-tier items were things that wouldn't be easily taken out in other cities, even in the cities of other powerful organizations. One could only imagine how vast the Guardians Guild's accumulation was for them to so casually sell these items.
After roaming around the city for a bit, the group was about to look for a tavern to settle down when a group of people rushed toward them.
The people in the group were all riding powerful demonic tigers. Every one of them was at least at the Sovereign Realm. The leader was a pseudo-God. This was definitely not an ordinary group. They were obviously here for Xiang Shaoyun. After coming before Xiang Shaoyun, they stopped.
The middle-aged man leading the group gave Xiang Shaoyun a slight bow and said, "Guild overseer, Mo Duo, greets Young Master Xiang. I come on Young Master Jiu's order to invite you to his temporary palace."
"Young Master Jiu? I don't think I know such a person," Xiang Shaoyun blanked out.
"Young Master Jiu is the guild's youngest God Realm elder and the most popular candidate to be the young guild master. He is also a descendant of Deputy Qin's and is held in very high regard by Deputy Qin himself," introduced the pseudo-God proudly.
"Wow, amazing. Then again, I still don't know him. You may leave," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Audacious! You dare to refuse Young Master Jiu's invitation? The entire Divine Dominion City will not welcome you!" berated the pseudo-God furiously.
"What boastful words. You act like the Divine Dominion City belongs exclusively to your Young Master Jiu," a different voice rang out before Xiang Shaoyun could say anything.
From where the voice came from, a scholarly middle-aged man was walking toward them. The middle-aged man was dressed in a clean white robe. A divine radiance covered his body, and a genial smile hung on his face. It was obvious he was no ordinary person.
"Lord Zhuge!" The pseudo-God had a look of fear as he hurriedly saluted the newcomer.
The newcomer was none other than the one known as the Fox of Wisdom, Zhuge Zhi, Gongsun Yingxion's number one advisor. He was also an outstanding God Realm formation grandmaster. Someone like him naturally had a high status in the guild. No ordinary person could afford to offend him.
Zhuge Zhi ignored the pseudo-God. He clasped his hand in greeting to Xiang Shaoyun and said, "I'm Zhuge Zhi. I wonder if I can have the honor of meeting up with you, Young Master Xiang?"
Xiang Shaoyun gave Zhuge Zhi a glance before agreeing, "Sure. Please lead the way."
Zhuge Zhi smiled and made an inviting gesture. "This way, Young Master Xiang."
The group thus left with Zhuge Zhi. The pseudo-God had an unsightly expression, but he did not dare to say anything as he left gloomily with his people. Before long, Zhuge Zhi arrived at a palace by himself. After reporting his arrival through several messengers, he was finally allowed entry. Seated in the palace was none other than Qin Jiu. He was clad in a black robe with golden trim, showcasing his slender and tall figure.
"Greetings, Young Master Jiu," greeted the pseudo-God deferentially as he dropped onto his knees.
Qin Jiu had his back to the kneeling pseudo-God. Without even turning around, he asked, "You failed?"
"I was about to succeed, but Lord Zhuge interrupted," answered the pseudo-God nervously.
"Zhuge Zhi?" Qin Jiu muttered as he spun around with astonishment on his face.
"Yes."
"Why did he get involved in this?" muttered Qin Jiu doubtfully.
After thinking about it for a bit, Qin Jiu waved his hand. "Leave."
After the pseudo-God left, Qin Jiu looked in one direction and muttered, "Shadow, what do you think I should do about this?"
A shadow abruptly materialized from the corner of the room. "Young master, I'll do whatever you ask."
"I'm asking for your opinion," said Qin Jiu.
"Zhuge Zhi might be Gongsun Yingxiong's man, and Gongsun Yingxiong might intend to have him assist Gongsun Sanyang, but Zhuge Zhi holds Gongsun Sanyang in low regard. Thus, he is probably getting involved for Ge Yi's sake, wishing to give Xiang Shaoyun some help," analyzed the shadow.
"You are as keen as ever. It truly is a waste having you remain as a shadow assassin," said Qin Jiu. "This is the Divine Dominion City. Since Xiang Shaoyun dares to come, have him disappear forever."
"It will be easy to get rid of him in the city. However, it will also cause quite a ruckus," said the shadow.
"Haha, let's have someone else do the deed for us," said Qin Jiu with a hearty laugh.
"You mean..."
"You already know what I'm thinking, so stop pretending. Go arrange it. I want Xiang Shaoyun to turn into a corpse within seven days," said Qin Jiu as his eyes flickered murderously.
"Yes, young master. I know what to do," said the shadow respectfully before vanishing.
Next, Qin Jiu called over several groups of people and gave them their respective commands. Only then did he sink back into inactivity.
Sitting alone in the room, he rubbed his armrest while muttering, "Xiang Shaoyun is decently strong, but his cultivation level is not high enough. He won't be a threat. In fact, the biggest threat is the foundation left by Ge Yi. That foundation might cause some unforeseen changes. So long as Xiang Shaoyun dies, Ge Yi's followers will have their ambitions squashed. I can even turn them against old dog Gongsun. Then, who could compete against me? Haha!"