Li Jizhou examined the relics of the Celestial Punishment Master when Duke Zhen laughed lightly:
"Overwhelming the heavens? That Yellow Springs Blood Slaughter Celestial Venerable wants to overturn this cultivation world? Ridiculous!"
Let's not mention how deeply rooted the Nine Dynasties are, with each dynasty striving to maintain its governing position. Although conflicts arise among the Nine Dynasties, if someone attempts to usurp their rule, they will surely rally to defend it.
Furthermore, numerous powerful figures cultivate using the Ancestral Spirit Tree within the Ancestral Spiritual Sea. Anyone daring to damage this cultivation environment will face opposition, for there are beings inside that have lived for tens of thousands of years, and even rumors of a Quasi-Immortal from a hundred thousand years ago who sealed themselves, waiting for a new era to ascend.
"Duke Zhen, please have a look." At this moment, Li Jizhou spotted his name on the Celestial Punishment Master's bounty list, along with the potential identifier of the employer.
Employers issue bounties through Celestial Punishment, with only the Celestial Punishment Master knowing the employer's details.
"Suspected to be deadly agents from Rong Royal Mansion of the Jiuli Dynasty? Hmph, how dare Rong Royal Mansion hire assassins to kill the Prince?" Duke Zhen was instantly enraged.
Li Jizhou smiled faintly: "Such is the Crown Prince struggle, as expected."
"I will immediately report this to the Saint Emperor." Duke Zhen spoke with righteous indignation.
Li Jizhou waved his hand: "No rush, Duke Zhen. There is no concrete evidence, including this list which provides no definite identity, only suspicion. Moreover, since the opponent is a deadly agent, they are prepared to die for their master, it's futile."
Upon hearing this, Duke Zhen laughed openly, looking at Li Jizhou with even more satisfaction. Such sophistication and composure at an early age, truly commendable!
"However, I've decided to use this situation to my advantage and hope Duke Zhen can help cover it up." Li Jizhou continued.
"Use it to your advantage?" Duke Zhen looked at Li Jizhou with some doubt.
"I've decided to fake my death to escape, avoiding the succession battle of the Dynasty." Li Jizhou stated frankly.
Gongsun Dang had informed Li Jizhou in detail about Duke Zhen, a trustworthy ally; otherwise, Gongsun Dang wouldn't have invited him to ambush the Red Flame Demon Race.
Upon hearing this, Duke Zhen's deep gaze shifted slightly, then he broke into a smile: "Hahaha, good, good, escape while watching the tigers fight, brilliant."
Li Jizhou nodded slightly, pulling off the maneuver to incite a struggle between Consort Rong and Dragon Aspect, especially triggering an early self-destruction of Dragon Aspect was his plan from three years ago in Liangzhou, though the Blood Fiend Celestial Venerable's matter had changed circumstances, leaving no opportunity.
After revealing the secrets of Yunzhou, intentionally provoking Consort Rong once more, he went into self-isolation, yet Consort Rong and Dragon Aspect found no chance to act against him but targeted his grandfather Jin Zhaoyu, forcing him to break seclusion.
Now, with the Jin Zhaoyu issue resolved, he precisely seized the chance to fake his death and escape.
Regarding shielding the Saint Emperor's perception, three years ago in Liangzhou, Gongsun Dang had already gifted him the treasure. Now in the swamp, as long as he doesn't enter the Jiuli Dynasty, he can evade Li Yuan's bloodline senses entirely.
Having gained Duke Zhen's agreement, Li Jizhou immediately retrieved the treasure Gongsun Dang had given him, causing his entire bloodline aura to change instantly.
He then picked up the Celestial Punishment Order from the relics of the Celestial Punishment Master, the sole token representing the Celestial Punishment Master's identity, learning how it can shield against the Celestial Venerable Dharma Realm.
This token belonged to the Blood Fiend Celestial Venerable, capable of temporarily melding with the Divine Soul to mask the Blood Fiend Celestial Venerable's soul pressure.
Beyond that, the storage ring of the Celestial Punishment Master was exceedingly wealthy, containing twenty thousand Middle Grade Spirit Stones, many Spiritual Treasures and rare items, compensating for Li Jizhou's previous losses when contacting Qianji City.
"Now I'll trouble Duke Zhen to accompany me to Qianji City."
"To Qianji City?" Duke Zhen halted slightly upon hearing this.
Despite being in the Refining Void Divine Monarch realm, the rules within the swamp were difficult to breach.
After all, Qianji City and the Ten Thousand Poison Sect house Tier Six puppets and Tier Six Divine Gu.
Especially since large numbers tend to gather, these puppets and Gu insects possess various mysterious traits; his oversight could lead to severe losses.
His treasure hunts in the swamp were tolerated by Qianji City and the Ten Thousand Poison Sect; traveling alone to Qianji City would be troublesome, risking unnecessary conflicts.
"Rest assured, Duke Zhen, I've liaised with Master Mu Yu beforehand." Li Jizhou said smiling.
"Master Mu Yu? You still dare meet him?" Duke Zhen was taken aback.
Knowing well that the Red Flame Demon Race affair in Yong'an City led Master Mu Yu to take blame for Li Jizhou, Duke Zhen was surprised Li Jizhou dared to meet him.
"Why wouldn't I?" Li Jizhou looked earnestly at Duke Zhen.
"I always keep my word, trust isn't questionable, and I conduct myself honorably, avoiding shady dealings."
Duke Zhen was momentarily speechless, before softly nodding: "If that's the case, I'll go with you."
With Duke Zhen beside him, a Space Domain Gate swiftly transported Li Jizhou to Qianji City's foot.
Meanwhile, inside Qianji City, Master Mu Yu was busy allocating orders among his high-tier puppet masters.
This order was delivered three days ago by the envoy of Jin Zhaoyu, containing fifty high-tier puppet orders and over a hundred middle-tier orders.
The order lifted him from his despondent state after the Red Flame Demon Race affair, eliciting tears of joy.
Since returning from Yong'an City's borders, he'd been waiting for Li Jizhou to discuss follow-up orders, only to learn from the City Lord, his brother-in-law, about the situation.
Only then did he realize Li Jizhou had used him.
He didn't mind being used, nor the Demon Race's retaliation.
Puppet masters of Qianji City, especially high-tier ones, love using Demon Pills to enhance puppet traits, thus inherently opposing the Demon Race, unconcerned about incurring more karma.
His only concern was Li Jizhou's promised orders.
The City Lord advised him against being naive, saying the boy won't fulfill his promises.
As puppet masters approached him, he was seemingly resigned.
He gazed north towards Qingzhou's Jiuli Dynasty, repeatedly lamenting life's futility.
Yet three days ago, people from Jin Zhaoyu arrived with orders and Spirit Stones, along with a long-term order plan!
This made all puppet masters in Qianji City learn of Li Jizhou.
The boy hadn't lied!
"Everyone, take heed: don't mess up the connection painstakingly built by me."
"And remember, Prince Qing of Qingzhou is our financial patron, act with respect; without ample financial backing, puppet grade improvement is unreachable..."
Meanwhile,
Duke Zhen and Li Jizhou stood at Qianji City's gates, Duke Zhen fully attentive.
Despite Li Jizhou's confidence, those in Qianji City are unpredictable.
The residents here are madmen, for a Demon Pill they'll manipulate puppets, not caring about repercussions.
"Xiaoqi, caution is advisable." Duke Zhen noticed Li Jizhou lacked defenses, particularly with Hong Luan accompanying openly.
Although Hong Luan is half-demon, she holds a Demon Pill, making her prime puppet core material in the eyes of puppet masters.
Yet, just as Duke Zhen finished advising, a puppet master at the gate suddenly exclaimed: "Young friend? Oh, young friend indeed, hurry, Master Mu Yu has been waiting for you."
As the puppet master cried out, more puppet masters extended friendly and enthusiastic invitations to Li Jizhou.
"..." Duke Zhen was momentarily stunned.
He never expected such enthusiasm from this single-minded city, especially from a Tier Five puppet master; they wouldn't show such emotion even for him, yet regarded Xiaoqi, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, with warmth!
Li Jizhou laughed openly, following the puppet masters toward Master Mu Yu's residence.