"Leave?" Qi Xiaomian shook his head. "Why would you want to leave? This so-called place of seclusion has nothing compared to the capital. Here in the capital, even the royal family must bow their heads to you.
Although my cultivation is still shallow, I understand that the most important aspect of cultivation is the resources for it. The entire nation's strength is being gathered for us; this is the most suitable path for advancement.
Why seek distant shores when there are ample resources nearby?"
The Immortal Statue paused, then replied, "But my sect employs rather domineering methods, which can easily lead to collateral damage. With so many people in the capital, a moment's carelessness could wipe out hundreds of households."
"It’s better to keep our distance," he continued. "As for resources, even if I leave here, the Great Ginger Royal Family remains under my control."
After much persuasion, Qi Xiaomian reluctantly agreed but insisted on needing some time to resolve matters around him. The Immortal Statue shot several fierce glares at Sang Qingxiao, his eyes nearly overflowing with murderous intent, but he held back to avoid jeopardizing their escape.
He half-threatened and half-advised Qi Xiaomian that time waits for no one, and opportunities do not wait either; it was not as if he was the only option available.
Qi Xiaomian promised he would only need half a day and would leave at night. The Immortal Statue hurriedly departed.
Huo Qi suggested that once they left the city, they should take him down. There were many details about subduing demons that needed discussing, but the situation in the city had changed again.
The Immortal Statue sent a message to Niu Dali, requesting him to open the city gates at night. Niu Dali agreed readily but arrived at the Taoist temple within half an hour, exclaiming, "Immortal, I'm afraid your request cannot be fulfilled. The royal family has suddenly become uncooperative; they are polite in words but do not act on anything."
"The gates were clearly ordered sealed by me, yet now I cannot even open them myself. They say there’s been an incident in the palace and that martial law has been declared; no one can leave."
"I made it clear that this was your intention, yet they are brushing me off. They said they have granted us many conveniences and have almost always complied with our requests."
"This time it was truly unexpected; the royal family occasionally handles their own affairs. Please understand and cooperate with them. Once this matter is resolved, the royal family will send someone to apologize to you."
Hearing this, the Immortal Statue became increasingly agitated. "What exactly happened?"
"I inquired about it," Niu Dali replied. "The officials claim they don't know anything; they are shutting themselves away and refusing to see anyone. The guards outside the palace have formed circles around it—most of them are unfamiliar faces. Their aura is so imposing that even someone like me who lacks martial skills can tell they are extraordinary."
At this point, Niu Dali added provocatively, "It seems the royal family is hiding quite a bit from us; they are preparing against us!"
"The Southern Ginger Dynasty was chaotic before—factions were divided and the royal family struggled immensely until you appeared. Only then did Great Ginger Capital start resembling a proper capital; life for the royal family seemed to improve somewhat."
"But now? What are they trying to do?! Are they rebelling against you? They don’t consider who brought them these good days!"
The term "rebellion" typically refers to actions against royalty, yet Niu Dali spoke it casually, and it sounded agreeable to the Immortal Statue.
After a moment's thought, Niu Dali continued, "If you truly need to go out urgently, with your abilities, you wouldn't even need to show your face. Just a distant display of power would surely deter those spineless nobles in the royal family from blocking you."
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