Internal Strife Grows
In the depths of the mountain stood a majestic palace. The palace was deep and quiet, giving off a sense of tranquility. However, at this moment, in the hall of the palace, numerous hurried discussions sounded out.
Over forty people were gathered there. All of them wore brocade robes and wore jade boots. Their brows were tightly furrowed, and their faces had become incomparably ugly due to their grave expressions.
"Luo Yun's reform has been carried out for more than half a month, but the situation in the eighteen ancient cities showed no signs of slowing down. Instead, it has become more and more popular, and it is supported by countless people." A person slapped his thigh and sighed helplessly.
"If that's all there is to it, then it's fine. Those who have been allocated shops and properties no longer speak out against the 10,000 Swords Pavilion. Many of them have passed the 10,000 Swords Pavilion's examination and obtained a certain amount of power and resources, becoming loyal supporters of the 10,000 Swords Pavilion." Another person spoke out as he shook his head and sighed.
"It's been more than half a month, and the chaos in the eighteen ancient cities has shown signs of decline. In time, this chaos will disappear, and it will no longer be able to stop Luo Yun and Wanjian Pavilion." Many people spoke in unison. When they looked at each other, they could clearly feel the helplessness in each other's eyes.
Only half a month had passed since the second preaching. It was a short time, but the eighteen ancient cities had undergone a drastic change. The voices of boycotting Wanjian Pavilion had disappeared, and they were completely immersed in the enthusiasm.
Countless people were running around to spread the news, promoting the reform. They also bought the properties that they had wanted for a long time, and they no longer needed to rely on the major families. Under such circumstances, how could they boycott Wanjian Pavilion?
Many people even took the initiative to speak up and help Wanjian Pavilion take back the power and resources of the four major families. This made the reform more thorough, and it received the support of countless people. It was especially smooth.
Seeing this scene, the senior figures of the major families began to panic. They gathered here to discuss how to deal with it, but after a long time, they couldn't do anything except sigh helplessly.
"Quiet!" At this moment, a thin middle-aged man stood up and stopped the crowd's discussion.
He looked around and said seriously, "The reform is Luo Yun's scheme. Since we can't stop it, we can only wait for the four family heads and the higher-ups to return. They went to the Wind Willow Residence to discuss important matters. They must have gained a lot. Otherwise, they wouldn't be so late."
"Once they return in triumph, they will definitely hold monstrous power. At that time, Luo Yun's schemes will be unable to withstand a single blow, and the eighteen ancient cities will return to our control!"
When the skinny middle-aged man finished speaking, he couldn't help but raise his hands up high. Immediately, many people felt relieved. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, a burst of laughter came from outside the hall.
When the crowd heard this, they immediately looked at the source of the voice. They saw a group of people in tight clothes coming over. The leader was a burly middle-aged man. He had a big smile on his face and was looking at the crowd as if they were idiots.
"What is the meaning of this?" The skinny middle-aged man looked unhappy. The group of people in front of him were also from the big families. However, they didn't have much real power or high status. They were peripheral figures of the big families.
"There is a strong sense of sarcasm in our laughter. Of course, we are mocking you for being narrow-minded and for not being able to see the basic situation clearly." The burly middle-aged man raised his hand and the 40 people behind him stopped laughing. However, their eyes were still filled with sarcasm.
"The basic situation?" The skinny middle-aged man frowned and lowered his eyes. The expressions of the people behind him also became cold. The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became stiff.
However, the burly middle-aged man was not afraid at all. He said bluntly, "Now, the eighteen ancient cities are implementing reforms. Almost every day, the Ancient Star Sect can be reborn. The higher-ups of our families have rich management experience and many connections in our hands. We can easily pass the review of the Wanjian Pavilion branch and get a share of power and resources.
"Such a good thing is right in front of you. However, not only do you not want it, but you are also trying to sabotage the reform. Shouldn't we mock such a stupid move?"
"How dare you!" After hearing the words of the burly middle-aged man, the skinny middle-aged man was so angry that he stomped his feet and jumped up. He pointed angrily at the burly middle-aged man and said in a trembling voice, "You are betraying the family, betraying the four family heads!"
"You are wrong. We are protecting the family, protecting the eighteen ancient cities." The sneer on the burly middle-aged man's face deepened. The people behind him also puffed out their chests and looked into the distance.
His face gradually darkened and he said word by word, "In the eyes of the four family heads, there is nothing else but benefits. They would rather open the city gates and let the Daluo Golden Sect and Divine Firmament Palace slaughter countless people. They would rather boycott the Wanjian Pavilion and make Luo Yun submit. Such a move is no different from a lunatic. It will only push the eighteen ancient cities into the abyss."
As soon as he said this, the skinny middle-aged man suddenly stopped talking. His face twitched fiercely and he was speechless.
Seeing this, the burly middle-aged man sneered and said in a loud voice, "More importantly, by supporting Luo Yun and the Wanjian Pavilion, we can enjoy the power and resources that we have always dreamed of. No one can take them away. On the contrary, if we support the four family heads, no matter how hard we work, we won't be able to get any power, not even the slightest bit."
The burly middle-aged man's words were his heartfelt thoughts. At the same time, it was also the heartfelt thoughts of the thousands of people in the eighteen ancient cities. It was because of this that they had given up on resisting Chu Xingyun in such a short time.
"A bunch of fools who are blinded by benefits!" The skinny middle-aged man glared at the burly middle-aged man and the others. He gritted his teeth and didn't continue to refute. Instead, he left with a flick of his sleeves.
After he left, the people in brocade robes also angrily walked out of the palace. Their mouths were full of ridicule and disdain, and their faces were ashen and unsightly.
After these people left, the burly middle-aged man turned around and spat out some words of disdain, "The people who are really blinded by benefits are you. You are only thinking about how to support the four Patriarchs and then ask for half a power. You are really shameless."
The crowd let out cold snorts. They had long seen through the hypocrisy of these people. At this time, someone resentfully said, "From their words and actions, it seems that they won't let this matter go. If …"
"So what?"
Before he finished speaking, the burly middle-aged man directly interrupted, "These people wear brocade robes and live extravagantly. Even if they work together, they are just a bunch of trash. In comparison, although we come from humble backgrounds, we are constantly sharpening our strength. Why should we be afraid of them?"
After he finished speaking, the burly middle-aged man raised his head and let out an indifferent laugh. The group of people behind him were stunned at first, then their eyes shone brightly. They also let out a burst of wild laughter with disdain.
While these families were fighting among themselves, in the distant courtyard of the Liu Family, there was a sense of harmony.
In the main hall, Chu Xingyun was sitting at the head of the table. In front of him stood Lu Xing and Xia Qingcheng, and beside them were Ning Lefan and Lu Ling.
"The reform has been carried out for more than half a month, and the results are very good. According to statistics, 80% of the properties and businesses in the eighteen ancient cities have been divided into the hands of the common people. The chaos in the eighteen ancient cities has been eliminated, and there are voices of support everywhere." When Xia Qingcheng reported, she still found it hard to believe. In just half a month, the eighteen ancient cities had undergone such a drastic change, and she had witnessed this miracle with her own eyes.
"We can't be careless about the properties and businesses, especially those who want to seek personal gains. We must severely punish them in order to avoid disrupting the reform," Chu Xingyun warned, then looked at Lu Xing and said, "What's the progress on the criminal law?"
Lu Xing pondered for a moment before replying seriously, "Pavilion Master, we're already working on the new criminal law, and we've already finalized the details regarding the taxes. In a few days, we'll be able to officially popularize it."
"Very good." Chu Xingyun nodded with satisfaction, waved his hand, and said, "This is the end of the report. You must remember what I said just now."
"Yes!" Xia Qingcheng and Lu Xing looked at each other, then bowed and slowly left the main hall.
Not long after the two left, Lu Ling also left the main hall. He saw Ning Lefan stand up and look down at Chu Xingyun. His mouth was slightly open, but he didn't say anything in the end. His expression seemed to be a little conflicted.
Chu Xingyun was closing his eyes, but he could feel Ning Lefan's hesitation. He said faintly, "What's the matter?"
Thump!
The sudden sound made Ning Lefan's heart tremble. He looked back at Chu Xingyun, and his expression became more and more conflicted. In the end, he couldn't help but say, "Master, there's something I don't understand. I hope you can explain it to me."
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