There’s a Leader for the Elites

　　Wulun Hall was a study reserved for the Emperor and his va.s.sals' private conversations. The unwritten rule was the Emperor was the pugilistic world's hero from back then when he was there. So accordingly, they could forego the formalities between monarchs and subjects when conversing there. It was also why the Emperor often reserved Wulun Hall for discussing business pertaining to the pugilistic world. Today was no exception.

　　The prime minister read out the report received from the returnees from Canhu Town then finished off with, "That, is the entire report. Vice-Captain Shen had the soldiers flee along a designated route, while she turned back to stall the enemies. Unfortunately, we do not know her whereabouts. Whether she is dead or alive… remains unknown. Abels also pursued our forces solo and robbed the presents for the Seven Champion White Princes.

　　"Unforgivable! That is unforgivable!"

　　Boss' situation was unknown for two days before this all happened. Even if I was to rush there at this point, I had already missed out the prime time frame to rescue her. Moreover, I would have to plough through the Beijiang bandits who had a bone to pick with the Central Plain.

　　I slammed the table. Anxious, I fumed, "Abels, you piece of s.h.i.+t! Of all the times you could choose, you choose to rob us when Boss is on escort duty?! He must be picking a fight!"

　　Prime Minister Li Si touched his white beard: "I agree with you, Young Ming. Robbing an escort Captain Song and Vice-Captain Shen are escorting is blatantly challenging our authority. Should people learn of this, it would impact the imperial court's reputation and likely encourage more brazen robberies. If they join forces with the four unorthodox factions, it will spell serious trouble. Your Majesty, please give the order to march and exterminate them."

　　His Majesty: "Uh, you have a point…"

　　I raised a thumb: "You are on the money, Prime Minister! We need to send our army out! Evil Spirits have always disregarded everyone. They are ruthless and still practice a primitive slave system as they do in Beijiang despite being bandits. They have slaves serve them and treat them as goods, switching between slaves at their own leisure and killing them if they do not sell them. Their group often makes slaves out of skilled warriors. Given they trample on warriors' pride, if they capture Boss Shen, she will suffer unspeakable torment."

　　Knowing Boss Shen's temperament, she'd bite her tongue before her first day as a slave came to an end. Besides that, there was also the concern of those Beijiang b.a.s.t.a.r.ds getting aroused! I did plant a safety measure on her, but it wouldn't activate unless she was close to dying. If she was defeated in battle, the internal energy I transferred into her subconscious would activate, granting her the ability to fight using my style of moulding energy and prioritise escape. If they drugged her or something, however, my insurance policy wouldn't do anything.

　　Worried sick and unable to confirm Boss' circ.u.mstance, I bit my thumbnail.

　　The Emperor: "Uh… uh… um…"

　　Secretary Zhang deliberated prudently before saying, "We do not know much about Evil Spirits, unfortunately. According to your subject's knowledge, our three martial world offices have not crossed paths with them, either."

　　The Qilin Guards and the Emperor's Entourage's representatives, Long Zaitian and Tie Hanyi, respectively, shook their heads.

　　"Intelligence on Evil Spirits' is not difficult to find," I chimed in. "They are one of the top bandit groups in this era. They are among the most fearsome groups when it comes to bandits ruling mountains and forests. Foreign kingdoms' populations lowered their standing, but they cannot be underestimated. Their four sub-leaders, Mountain Monster, River Monster, Ox Demon and Feathered Serpent, are enough to give many pugilists a run for their money.