A Cunning Pervert in the Cultivation World Chapter 383: City Lord Manor

Even as the night enveloped Cloudveil City, the City Lord Manor remained a hive of activity.

Within the grand hall, typically alive with lavish banquets, a cacophony of voices now echoed.

However, no festive mood permeated the air; instead, a palpable gloom hung heavy.

These were the survivors, refugees who had managed to escape the clutches of the Fen Dynasty.

Though the dynasty's borders were officially sealed to contain a devastating plague, these individuals had gained an early exit, forewarned through their esteemed connections within the imperial court.

The majority comprised relatives of influential officials or members of affluent families.

Tonight, their sole objective was to secure aid from the esteemed Azure Moon Sect, and their only conduit to the sect's higher echelons was the City Lord herself.

"What precisely is transpiring within the dynasty? Had my brother not alerted me beforehand, I would have been ensnared within the capital myself."

"I've heard the plague spares no one, be they mortal or cultivator. Yet, it appears only those with profound cultivation can withstand its effects, albeit temporarily."

"Let us simply await the return of our other envoys."

Hushed conversations rippled through the crowded hall as everyone anxiously anticipated the return of their representatives, dispatched to confer with the City Lord.

Within the City Lord's private chambers, the atmosphere was equally charged with apprehension.

Several distinguished figures were seated inside, their faces etched with urgency and disquiet.

One among them voiced his concern once more.

"City Lord, is the sect's response not unduly delayed? Several days have elapsed, yet we have yet to receive any definitive word."

He, the patriarch of a renowned family from the imperial capital, understood that should the plague continue its relentless advance, all his amassed fortunes would inevitably crumble.

And he was not alone in this perilous predicament.

Every individual present in this room commanded wealth, power, or significant influence within the dynasty, yet all they could do now was wait in a state of helpless suspense, imploring the sect to intervene promptly.

After all, the Fen Dynasty stood as one of the Four Dynasties flourishing under the Azure Moon Sect's benevolent jurisdiction.

Annually, the dynasty dutifully submitted tribute to the sect, thus it was naturally the sect's obligation to ensure the escalating situation did not spiral beyond control.

Captain Shan stood with a placid demeanor, his hands clasped behind his back, observing the unfolding scene before diverting his gaze towards Lan Suyao, who occupied her seat serenely behind the table.

As always, she exuded an aura of aloofness, her beauty utterly captivating.

Her eyes, however, remained as tranquil and unwavering as undisturbed water, even when confronted by such a dire crisis.

Despite appearing as the youngest individual in the room, and a woman at that... not a single soul dared to raise their voice impetuously in her presence.

Not only was she an exceptionally potent cultivator, but she also served as their sole connection to the sect's upper echelon.

Presently, Lan Suyao raised her hand, finally breaking the silence.

"The sect is already apprised of this grave matter. Should no unforeseen circumstances arise, I anticipate receiving a response before the night concludes."

Although she had been compelled into the role of City Lord by the Sect Master following an incident years prior, Lan Suyao consistently discharged her duties with unwavering diligence whenever required.

And indeed, she spoke nothing but the truth.

The crisis had already reached the esteemed Sect Leader's awareness.

Nonetheless, Lan Suyao was privy to the Sect Leader's own strategic considerations.

This predicament was far more intricate than a simple matter of eradicating a plague.

Political machinations were at play... vested interests lurked in the shadows... and unseen forces exerted influence from beneath the surface.

These were complexities Lan Suyao neither concerned herself with nor desired to be entangled in.

Such intricate affairs were solely the prerogative of the Sect Leader to resolve.

For the moment, her sole responsibility was to fulfill her duties as the City Lord.

Upon hearing her pronouncement, however, the individuals within the room showed no sign of relief; if anything, their anxiety seemed to intensify.

Just as they prepared to press her further, Lan Suyao's usually serene gaze suddenly hardened.

"...Regardless of how many times you inquire, it will not expedite the sect's actions. The sect *will* dispatch personnel to investigate the situation. Until then, your only recourse is to wait."

While Lan Suyao maintained an outward composure, a flicker of irritation had begun to ignite within her.

She knew Li Feng had already made his return to the city.

Her original intention was to meet with him this very night, seeking confirmation on whether he had procured the item she required, but these individuals persisted with their repetitive inquiries.

Her patience, it seemed, had finally reached its limit.

Perceiving the displeasure radiating from her countenance, the atmosphere within the chamber immediately became suffused with an almost stifling tension.

Then, abruptly—

The door creaked open.

"...Pardon the intrusion."

A guard entered, approaching Captain Shan, who stood nearby, and murmured something into his ear.

Captain Shan's eyes lit up subtly.

He promptly moved towards Lan Suyao and relayed the guard's message in a hushed tone.

For the first time that night, a subtle smile graced her usually frosty, beautiful countenance.

Her gaze then shifted towards the assembled group.

"Very well, if there is nothing further, you are all dismissed. I have a rather important guest who requires my attention."

Upon hearing her words, those present exchanged resigned looks, a soft sigh escaping their lips.

Lingering any longer at this juncture would only serve to further incense her.

Swiftly, they all rose, offered their goodbyes, and departed the chamber one by one.

Once the room finally became empty, the doors creaked open once more.

And in stepped Li Feng, his movements unhurried.

"Ah, Senior Lan, it is a pleasure to meet you again."

He offered a polite greeting, a gentle smile gracing his features.

The instant her eyes fell upon him, however, the faint smile on Lan Suyao’s lips evaporated, her expression immediately hardening back into its customary cold and detached demeanor.

"Captain Shan, I require privacy. You may leave us."

"Understood, City Lord."

Captain Shan bestowed a friendly nod and a smile upon Li Feng before discreetly exiting the room and drawing the doors shut behind him.

Nevertheless, he couldn't suppress his curiosity about the nature of Li Feng's business with the City Lord, prompting such a request for solitude.

'Could it pertain to the matter of medicinal pills...? Or perhaps the City Lord intends to seek Alchemist Li's counsel regarding the prevailing plague?'

With these ponderings occupying his mind, Captain Shan quietly secured the doors.

The doors clicked shut, sealing the chamber.

The very moment they closed, the affable smile on Li Feng’s face slowly receded, replaced by his characteristic, audacious smirk.