"Young Master Wang..."

Watching the scene before her, Sun Yujie's eyes were filled with shock. She wanted to say something, but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know how to continue.

In fact, it wasn't just Sun Yujie; everyone present felt an indescribable sense of shock, including Luo Qingxuan.

No one had expected Wang Junze to kill the fox demon. After all, last night Wang Junze forbade anyone from leaving, seemingly to prevent any leaks of information, intending to trap Jing Yuan with the fox demon as bait. Under the guise of dealing with the deserters for the greater good, even if some were displeased, they couldn't oppose it.

But now, with the fox demon's death, everyone's feelings towards Wang Junze changed once again.

Especially many female disciples of the Medicine King Valley, who thought of their fellow members who died tragically, and couldn't help but weep aloud.

Using her sword to cut open the fox demon's body, Luo Qingxuan quickly extracted a pink inner core. Even though the fox demon was dead, the core still shone brilliantly, exuding a rich allure. Moreover, it seemed to contain a kind of charm power, making it difficult for one to look away after just one glance.

"After all, it's a transformed great demon. The core contains her power, which will be quite beneficial for you,"

she said softly, handing it to Wang Junze. "It might help you break through to Heaven-Stepping later."

"Thank you, Senior Sister Luo!"

It was indeed what Wang Junze needed urgently, so he didn't refuse.

In fact, after a night of cultivation, Wang Junze had pushed his cultivation to the peak of God Refining. Forcing a breakthrough was no longer difficult.

However, just like before, Wang Junze didn't want a forced breakthrough. Instead, he aimed to break limits in perfect condition, achieving Heaven-Stepping, and further enhancing his advantage. To achieve that, he needed more accumulation. Whether it was the Moon Fruit, the Four Symbols Origin Stone, or this fox demon core, they were all very important.

Of course, the reason for killing the fox demon wasn't greed for this core.

Rather, it was the fox demon's bewitching of others, killing without remorse, and the intent to incite the crowd to insult the Medicine King Valley disciples, that sealed its fate.

Wang Junze had no prejudice against the demon race itself, but such sinister thoughts and methods were what he despised from the bottom of his heart.

"Everyone, the fox demon is subdued. If I have offended anyone while deceiving the fox demon, please do not take it to heart."

Slightly clasping his hands, Wang Junze looked at the crowd and apologized.

"Young Master Wang, no need to be polite. You saved our lives; how could we have any resentment?"

Hearing Wang Junze's words, the crowd quickly bowed in return.

After all, they were merely low-tier cultivators. Not to mention someone like Wang Junze, even some minor sects and families didn't regard them highly. Now, not only did Wang Junze save them, but he was also willing to apologize. This feeling of being respected was indeed precious.

At this moment, almost everyone felt a sense of admiration for Wang Junze.

"Thank you all for your understanding."

With a slight nod, Wang Junze spoke again: "However, I do need to trouble you all with one thing."

Not waiting for questions, Wang Junze explained directly: "I need you all to spread the word about what happened at the Medicine King Valley. Of course... not entirely truthfully. Mix truth with lies as you see fit."

"Huh?"

Wang Junze's words left everyone a bit confused.

What did he mean by saying anything they wanted?

If they spoke the truth, it could be seen as Wang Junze trying to make a name for himself.

If it was about deceiving the deserters, then at least there should be a unified story to spread. But this...?

What did he mean?

Thinking for a moment, someone couldn't help but ask: "Young Master Wang, what do you mean by this? Shouldn't we discuss how to say it? Otherwise, so many people speaking differently will just spread chaos."

"No, I want it to be chaotic!"

Shaking his head, Wang Junze answered seriously: "There's no need for you to consult each other. You can say whatever you want. Ideally, everyone should have a different version."

"???"

Seeing the bewildered faces, Wang Junze didn't explain further. He just clasped his hands again and returned to his room.

After cultivating all night and taking the risk of killing the fox demon, Wang Junze was exhausted. Now that the matter was settled, he planned to have a good sleep. As for the rest... he'd make decisions after the news was spread.

In any case, he needed the news to circulate for a while.

Wang Junze went to sleep with peace of mind, but outside, the crowd was in disarray once more.

No one could guess what Wang Junze intended, but following his instructions wasn't hard. Soon, many people left to spread the news they concocted.

...

News spread quickly, especially with so many people intentionally spreading it. In less than half a day, various rumors had spread across the Northern Domain.

Not only among the human race, but the deserters also heard all kinds of versions. Rough estimates showed there were likely dozens of different narratives, not to mention some that were far-fetched.

For example, some claimed Wang Junze used one sword to shatter the void and directly killed a transformed great demon.

Or that Wang Junze was charmed by the fox demon, surrendered to the demon race, and planned to attack Jubei City to help the deserters seize the Northern Domain.

The rumors were rampant, and by the time they reached the City Lord's Mansion, Yuan Shouyi was dumbfounded.

Just yesterday, he had ordered a thorough search for Wang Junze and Luo Qingxuan. His subordinates were already at full attention, but now all kinds of reports came in, and they couldn't filter them. Everything had to be reported to him for him to discern the truth.

But... how was he supposed to discern?

Feeling a headache coming on, Yuan Shouyi had no choice but to summon the disciples of the Four Symbols Sect to help analyze the situation.

However, such matters weren't resolved just by having more people. In fact, the more they pondered, the more tangled it became, making it even harder to distinguish truth from lies.

"...It's too complicated. Researching the truth now is meaningless!"

With a somewhat grim expression, Jing Lei remained silent for a while before decisively stating: "Regardless of other rumors, at least... Wang Junze and Luo Qingxuan at the Medicine King Valley cannot be wrong!"

"Then... let's head to the Medicine King Valley!"

With a glint of coldness in his eyes, Jing Lei said deeply: "Whether true or false, one trip will clarify it."

"Very well!"

Unable to come to any conclusion, the others soon agreed. Members of the Four Symbols Sect and Yuan Shouyi's men simultaneously set out for the Medicine King Valley, ready to act on the opportunity.

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