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Qian Chong was utterly baffled by Lu Xuan’s declaration.

Join the sect? The Black Lotus Sect? But that was a seditious group, openly defying the imperial court and inciting rebellions across the land. And now, a respected county magistrate was expressing a desire to join them…

Does this mean that he was planning a rebellion?

Qian Chong, thoroughly perplexed, reflexively said, “My lord, as the saying goes, ‘He who takes the emperor’s grain should serve the emperor loyally…”‘

“Am I the rebel or are you the rebel?!” Lu Xuan pressed the blade against Qian Chong’s neck, clearly irritated.

Qian Chong fell silent, realizing the irony in his own words. He’d been in

Qingxian City for a while, operating discreetly with only a few guards, using

Rabbit Alley as a base for seeking followers and spreading the sect’s teachings.

Upon reflection, Qian Chong acknowledged that beyond nightly gatherings and preaching, he hadn’t actually committed any acts of rebellion or sabotage. And here was Wu Bangde, the County Magistrate, brazenly storming into his secret teaching location, blade to his neck, casually inquiring about leading a rebellion.

For a brief moment, Qian Chong felt like a law-abiding citizen, whereas Wu Bangde was a heretic of the Black Lotus Sect.

“If the lord wishes to join the sect, we would naturally welcome him…” Qian Chong regained his composure and refocused his thoughts.

“And what position could I expect if I joined your Black Lotus Sect?” Lu Xuan cut to the chase, demanding benefits.

Qian Chong hesitated, “Given your status, sir, becoming a Commander…

Should be no issue.”

“Just a Commander?” Lu Xuan sounded dissatisfied.

“My lord is unaware,” Qian Chong explained, “In our sect, a leader capable of overthrowing a county is called a Commander. Higher ranks are reserved for those controlling state-level operations.”

An official from the Da Kang government proactively joining the Black Lotus

Sect was not unheard of, but it was extremely rare. Normally, one would wait

and see how the situation unfolds, considering defection only when the city’s

fall was imminent.

This was Qian Chong’s first encounter with someone so eager to rebel.

Qian Chong, stunned by Lu Xuan’s words, quickly added, “Of course, that’s just your current rank, my lord. Once the great plan is accomplished, with your ambition, serving as a high-ranking official would be no problem.”

Lu Xuan’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this. He then inquired,

“Are there any requirements for joining your Black Lotus Sect?”

Qian Chong thought for a moment: “True faith is required to join our sect. To become a genuine disciple, one must undergo some trials. For the first three days before joining, you must abstain from alcohol; for the first thirty days, abstain from meat; and for the first three months, abstain from sexual relations…”

“Such stringent rules and precepts, your sect sounds like a monastery,” Lu Xuan frowned.

Qian Chong hastily replied, “But these are requirements for the lower ranks. With your status, my lord, joining our sect is naturally sincere and does not require following these rules.”

“That’s more like it,” Lu Xuan nodded. “But how dare you target Qingxian City? Don’t forget, this city is controlled by the Qingxian Society, and they won’t allow you to preach here.”

“The Qingxian entity is but a mere wild deity, ” Qian Chong shook his head with disdain for the snake god worshipped by the ignorant masses. “How can it compare to our Black Lotus Sect? Moreover, the Qingxian Society’s governance is flawed, relying solely on military force and oppression. The public’s grievances, once ignited, will blaze into a mighty fire that will consume the Qingxian Society.”

Lu Xuan was slightly surprised by Qian Chong’s keen understanding of Qingxian City’s situation.

“So, according to you, Brother Qian, how should this fire be kindled?” Lu Xuan put down his knife. “The Qingxian Society’s military dominance over the city is unwavering, with five hundred elite soldiers and the commanders all from the Society. Besides, they have private troops, over six hundred strong, not to mention the servants and young men of each household…”

Qian Chong pondered for a moment before asking, “May I ask how many men you have under your command, my lord?”

“Seventy yamen runners in total, thirty of whom are from the three major families,” Lu Xuan replied nonchalantly.

In truth, there were probably more people doing tasks for the yamen, as per the custom of the Great Kang yamens, where each runner would recruit several assistants. Normally, including runners and assistants, there would be around three to four hundred people. However, Lu Xuan chose not to count these auxiliary personnel.

Qian Chong fell silent for a long time before finally managing to say, “My lord, you truly stand apart from the world.”

He realized that Wu Bangde was virtually alone. Besides his title as the county magistrate, he had nothing else.

No wonder this man sought to join the sect…

As Qian Chong pondered, recalling the recent conflicts between the county magistrate and the Gu family, he asked, “So, Brother Qian, do you not have a solution?”

Lu Xuan picked up the knife again.

“Hold on, my lord, hold on,” Qian Chong quickly interjected..