"Without these thirty to fifty years, all of you present are renowned elders. How could you let a junior overshadow you for no reason?"

In Wutong Prefecture City, there are 'Seven Families' of orthodox main lineage.

Namely, three sects and four prominent clans.

This time, those who came upon hearing the news include Elder Li of the Li Family, Li Yan, the master of the Qiao Family, Qiao Dan, and the lord of Qingshui Building, Mr. Qingshui.

Also from the Xie Family, Xie Qiaoxuan.

Renowned as the elder of Wutong.

Li Yan, Qiao Dan, and Qingshui Building Lord, all achieved the Primordial Pill long ago. Although not as experienced as Xie Qiaoxuan, they have also honed their skills for decades in Wutong Prefecture.

The Prefecture Venerable has the power to collect 'orthodox' taxes.

But the 'degree' of it all depends on the officials' methods.

After all, by regulations, the profits from orthodox industries in the Prefecture City are required to pay two to three tenths. Accumulated, it's not unreasonable to support a Primordial Pill.

Who wouldn't feel the loss when handing it over?

Thus,

With Lin Shao dissatisfied, the Prefecture Venerable weakened.

These three seasoned Primordial old men were the first to voice out.

Lin Shao, previously vying for Wutong Prefecture Venerable, ensured every sect and prominent clan within the Prefecture City was in line.

Li Yan's Li Family dealt in the 'Great Medicine Treasure Pill' business, cooperating with 'Medicine King Valley', the only entity within the Great Zhao territory that rivals 'Danxia Mountain'.

Qiao Dan of the Qiao Family once connected with a certain elder from 'Profound Soldier Cave', selling various weapons under the name of 'Mysterious Weapon Shop' yearly, which were in high demand. Some signature items were hard to come by even if one offered a fortune.

The industries of these two families are 'money-making machines' of the sort; traditionally, few are wealthy and martial, like post-Great Innate individuals, even more so with treasure medicines and profound soldiers... Which do not make martial artists from top to bottom crave?

Privately, Lin Shao likely promised preferential treatment for their industries if he 'ascended', advocating harmony in wealth, and no one being too harsh.

Thus, Li Yan and Qiao Dan naturally hoped Lin Shao could be the Prefecture Venerable. Sadly, fate didn't favor them.

But upon seeing Lin Shao taking action,

They were glad to support.

Witnessing someone gaining courage.

As the Commander of the Military Department, Lin Shao, sustained a valiant aura over the years, was middle-aged, and had a stern face that commanded respect without anger. With a cold snort, he was ready to charge in!

Yet——

Swish, swish, swish!

A snowy sword shadow, condensed from thin air, abruptly cleaved out from behind the curtain!

Feeling a crisis impending, Lin Shao slightly furrowed his thick brows, reached out a large palm, and drew out the short axe 'Golden Dragon Fire Axe' from his waist.

Gathering Primordial True Qi, with a mighty swing, he slashed out a phantom dragon shadow!

This 'treasure weapon' sliced through qi like mud, forged by an elder of Profound Soldier Cave by hand.

Though it wasn't crafted by the legendary 'Molten Fire Forging Technique' passed down by Profound Soldier Cave, it was still rare to see externally, enough to serve as the orthodox sect's treasure!

B ut despite this axe!

It didn't directly disperse the sword intention.

"Hmm?"

Realizing something was off.

This sixth-grade Commander of the Military Department shuddered, an expression of obvious astonishment emerged in his eyes. With the crisis approaching, he had no time to think and quickly turned around, retreating several steps.

Whoosh!

As Lin Shao retreated, the Military Department cloak behind him flared up,

the sword shadow approached, precisely...

It cleaved half of the cloak draping his shoulder!

"Tap, tap, tap..."

A woman with a silver-white mane, looking exceptionally young, about sixteen, brought her sword fingers together, and with a gentle swing down.

Then, with steps unhurried, she boldly walked out, stepping atop the half-red cloak, then coldly eyed the raucous crowd:

"In front of the Prefecture Venerable,"

"Dare to act presumptuously?"

The woman's soft reprimand, aimed directly at Lin Shao, eyeing the red Military Department clothing he wore:

"You are the sixth-grade Commander of the Military Department, speaking ill of Shangguan, even attempting to break in, what should be your crime?"

Song Brahman Mirror raised an eyebrow, her phoenix eyes coldly severe. Four years of slaying demons countless times made her presence intimidating, causing the Wutong Yuan Pill holders and government officials of seventh grade to visibly change faces.

Who is this woman?

Wait, silver hair, snow pupils, coupled with undeniable, subtle Half-Demon Blood...

"How similar to the Song Brahman Mirror who, years ago, was besieged by the 'Demon Hunting Alliance'?" A martial artist whispered in confusion.

"No, it's her, I've seen this woman before, she... has she become this terrifyingly strong today?" An official's eyes shrunk.

Yunluan Mountain suffered a severe blow years ago, but under the leadership of the newly appointed mountain master, Ruan Xiuxiu, signs of resurgence seemed plausible. Thought that woman was already outstanding, but seeing Song Brahman Mirror now...

"Only then realizes why 'Yunluan Double Pearls' is only ever mentioned regarding Song, not Ruan!"

Song Brahman Mirror headed north to resist demons, to clear grievances. Heard that years ago she had illustrious battle achievements, returning now, could her name in contention not be misconception?

If she's not the newly appointed Prefect.

Then, the Prefect she defends by sword, who is...?

Some had bold speculations in their hearts but dared not confirm, others were greatly shaken.

Xie Qiaoxuan was the first to recognize Song Brahman Mirror.

Suddenly, his body trembled slightly.

Song Brahman Mirror is here.

The new Prefect inside hasn't broken through to Primordial Pill.

Then...

Is he...?!

The old man grasped the shoulder of his grandson Xie Bridge, his eyes showing shock:

"Xie Bridge, have you seen the person inside?"

The grandson following by his side, hearing this, displayed a strange expression, lightly nodding while smiling bitterly: