The Speedrun Begins with Choosing Hunter

The Prefect of Lingzhou was demoted and the General was killed in battle. The new Prefect had become the sole ruler of Lingzhou.

Bai Yuan smelled an opportunity for the Divine Mansion Sect to reemerge into the world.

So, as soon as he heard the news of the Prefect’s demotion, he had Lu Yu help pull some strings.

"You’re Bai Yuan?"

Jiang Yan curiously sized up the ordinary-looking young man before her.

Thirteenth on the Heavenly Ranking. That rank alone was enough to make the Jiang Family take him seriously.

Not to mention, the young man before her had contributed greatly to the former Prefect of Lingzhou’s demotion.

If Bai Yuan hadn’t slaughtered the Lingzhou Army until they were powerless to exterminate the Demon Sect’s experts, the former Prefect of Lingzhou wouldn’t have been impeached by the Imperial Inspection Office. And the Minister of War, Xu Dingchun, would never have had the final say that sealed his fate.

One could say that this young man was the cause of it all.

Of course, these matters weren’t exactly glorious.

So, in the eyes of the world, the former Prefect of Lingzhou was demoted for his poor governance of the Zhi Province.

Only a few high-ranking individuals like Jiang Yan were qualified to know the truth.

The Xuan Yang Court and the sects governed the world together, and because of this, the disputes between the Court and the sects never ceased.

The former Prefect could move against the Divine Mansion Sect, so naturally, the Divine Mansion Sect could strike back. There was no right or wrong, only a victor.

The world thought the Prefect of Lingzhou had already won, but no one expected the Divine Mansion Sect to be the final victor.

Bai Yuan nodded.

A flicker of fighting spirit flashed in Jiang Yan’s eyes.

The Jiang Family was a military clan. Although she was a woman, her love for battle was no less than any man’s—at the very least, far stronger than Lu Yu’s, who stood beside her.

However, Jiang Yan quickly suppressed the urge to make a move.

She was a martial enthusiast, not a fool.

Bai Yuan was now the true Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect. Her father had just arrived in Ling Province and his foundation was unstable; he needed a powerful ally like the Divine Mansion Sect.

"I assume Miss Jiang has already learned of my purpose for coming here from Brother Lu."

Bai Yuan said faintly.

Jiang Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

’This Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect is quite direct.’

"My father will be arriving in Huanglong Prefecture in a few days. Sect Leader Bai can speak with him personally then."

When it came to a major issue involving the Divine Mansion Sect and the Prefecture Magistrate’s Office, Jiang Yan naturally couldn’t make the decision.

Bai Yuan smiled and clasped his fists. "Thank you."

He knew, of course, that Jiang Yan couldn’t make the decision alone. But as long as the woman before him was willing to make the introduction, that was enough.

Lu Yu chuckled. "My Brother Bai is a young talent. Your father will surely be very fond of him when they meet."

He had originally wanted to say that maybe Sister Jiang would even be betrothed to his Brother Bai, but after a moment’s thought, he swallowed the words. He didn’t want this alliance to fail.

After Lu Xiao was killed in battle, although the Emperor had conferred the title of Uncle Yongzhuang, it certainly had nothing to do with an illegitimate son like him.

According to Profound Sun Law, the title of Uncle Yongzhuang had, without a doubt, fallen to Lu Xiao’s eldest legitimate son.

Lu Yu was naturally ostracized.

Therefore, he now needed to continue building his own power, otherwise his extremely jealous elder brother would soon send assassins after him.

Lu Shanshan gazed at Bai Yuan with a complex expression.

Although her status in the Lu Family was better than Lu Yu’s, it wasn’t by much.

Her elder brother, who had been overlooked in the past, had now suddenly come into an immense fortune and was already showing signs of becoming unhinged. He showed no mercy to the children Lu Xiao had previously doted on.

If she weren’t in Huanglong Prefecture, she might have already met a foul end.

So, she had no choice but to walk the same path as Lu Yu.

"Sister Jiang, Sect Leader Bai is truly the perfect candidate for an alliance."

Lu Shanshan said.

She and Jiang Yan were the closest of friends; a single word from her was more effective than a hundred from Lu Yu.

Besides, what she said was indeed the truth.

Looking at all the powers in Ling Province, the Longevity Palace was too close to the former Prefect. That left only the Seven Star Sect and the Divine Mansion Sect. In comparison, the Divine Mansion Sect naturally had more potential.

Furthermore, after the new Prefect arrived in Ling Province, he would surely purge the remnants left by his predecessor. The Divine Mansion Sect had a great enmity with the former Prefect, making them the best possible ally.

Jiang Yan took Lu Shanshan’s hand. "Sister Lu has a point."

Bai Yuan and Lu Yu exchanged a glance.

’There’s really no reasoning with women.’

...

「Three days later.」

The new Prefect arrived in Ling Province. He stayed there for only a day before heading south to Huanglong Prefecture.

This showed how much importance the new Prefect placed on Huanglong Prefecture.

A procession of several dozen people slowly entered Huanglong Prefecture City. The dozens of cavalrymen wore silver armor and gold helmets, and rode snow-white steeds with a single horn on their heads. They were clearly Demon Horses, and of a high grade at that.

Few powers in the Northern Territory could possess such a formidable cavalry force.

The common people of Huanglong Prefecture City had never seen such a spectacle and all stood on the streets, watching in excitement.

Anyone with discerning eyes could tell that the person sitting in the ornate carriage at the center of the procession was the new Prefect of Lingzhou.

Everyone assumed the procession’s destination was the Prefecture Magistrate’s Office, but it stopped in front of a large residence instead.

Without needing a stool, a martial-looking middle-aged man lifted the carriage curtain and leaped out decisively, carrying himself with a military air.

This man was the new Prefect of Lingzhou, Jiang Changping.

The new Prefect was previously a General, so it was normal for him to have a military bearing.

Speaking of which, Prefect Jiang’s official career was rather legendary. He was originally a scholar from Bailu Academy, one of the four great academies. Later, behind the back of that old Minister, he gave up the pen for the sword and became a common soldier. Relying on solid military merits, he rose all the way to the rank of Thousand Households.

Later, when the Emperor learned of this, he was greatly pleased and promoted him past the usual ranks to become a General of a province.

Just when everyone thought Jiang Changping was highly likely to become a Grand General, he returned to being a Civil Servant, becoming the Prefect of Lingzhou.

Someone like him, who excelled in both civil and military roles, was a rare sight in Xuan Yang.

Just as Jiang Changping walked up the steps, the main doors were slowly pulled open from the inside.

Jiang Yan emerged from behind the doors.

"Yan’Er greets Father."

Jiang Changping laughed heartily. "My little Yan’Er has grown taller again."

"..."

Jiang Yan couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

’Your daughter is already twenty-five. Is there any room to grow taller at this age?!’

But in the end, she held her tongue.

Jiang Changping’s laughter shook the heavens, without a hint of a scholar’s demeanor. He and Jiang Yan soon arrived in the main hall.

Jiang Yan brewed a pot of tea for her father.

Despite looking like a Jianghu swordswoman, her tea-brewing skills were no less than those of the tea masters from Jiangnan, flowing as smoothly as clouds and water.

Jiang Changping took a comfortable sip of the tea his daughter had brewed and leaned back contentedly in his chair.

’Nothing beats the comfort of home with family.’

Seeing the time was right, Jiang Yan said, "Father, I have a friend who would like to see you."

Jiang Changping’s eyes lit up as he thought, ’Could it be? Has my old girl finally come to her senses?!’

In this era, most women were married by fourteen or fifteen. At twenty-five, Jiang Yan was indeed an "old girl."

He couldn’t help but sit up a little straighter, eager to see who this future son-in-law of his might be.

A moment later, Bai Yuan walked in from outside.

Jiang Yan said, "Father, this is Sect Leader Bai of the Divine Mansion Sect."

Jiang Changping’s brow twitched.

’Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect?’

He had, of course, heard of the Divine Mansion Sect.

’Although the Divine Mansion Sect is indeed a cut below my Jiang Family, this kid has become its Sect Leader at such a young age. He’s qualified enough to be my son-in-law.’

"What do you think of Yan’Er?"

Before Bai Yuan could speak, Jiang Changping fired the first question.

"...Miss Jiang’s martial arts are superb, no less than a man’s, and her appearance is also top-class."

Bai Yuan gave an objective assessment.

Jiang Changping frowned slightly. "That’s it?"

"...That’s it."

Jiang Yan, who was at the side, quickly realized what was happening and shot her father a reproachful look. "Father, Sect Leader Bai wants to form an alliance with you. He is already betrothed."

Hearing this, Jiang Changping gave a dry laugh, feeling it was a pity.

He prided himself on his ability to judge people, a skill even greater than his ability to fight. Just from this brief observation, he had discovered that the young man before him was a genius with the saber. The sheer intensity of his saber intent was something that even some of the old, famous Swordsmen of the Jianghu couldn’t match.

Such heaven-defying comprehension was a rare find in this world. Not to mention, he had become a Sect Leader at such a young age, so his strength was bound to be impressive. He was a prime candidate for a son-in-law.

Jiang Changping returned to his normal self. The moment they turned to business, his aura changed abruptly, becoming as sharp as a blade.

"Sect Leader Bai, I hear the Divine Mansion Sect has become a pack of stray dogs. Why should I cooperate with you?"

Bai Yuan didn’t answer. Or rather, he would answer with the long saber in his hand.

Under Jiang Yan’s shocked gaze, Bai Yuan brazenly drew the long saber from his back and slashed down toward Jiang Changping’s head.

The corners of Jiang Changping’s mouth turned up slightly. He actually caught Bai Yuan’s ferocious strike with just two fingers, clamping the blade firmly between them.

The hall fell silent.

Jiang Yan stared at Bai Yuan in disbelief.

She hadn’t expected this young Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect to be so ruthless, resorting to lethal force at a moment’s notice. His killing intent was even more terrifying than that of the Northern Garrison Army’s generals, who had slaughtered countless foes.

The smile on Jiang Changping’s face widened.

He sized up the young man before him with great interest.

"You’re very good."

"From now on, Huanglong Prefecture will still be the Divine Mansion Sect’s Huanglong Prefecture. However, the Lingzhou People will be allowed to enter Huanglong Prefecture to establish outposts and conduct business."

Bai Yuan nodded. "Agreed."

Jiang Yan was even more astonished. She looked at her father, completely baffled.

’Has my father been muddled by that saber strike? How could he agree to the alliance just like that?’

However, Jiang Yan didn’t speak up to stop it.

She wasn’t one of those shortsighted women. She knew very well that only with the help of the Divine Mansion Sect could her father, a new Prefect with no foundation, truly secure his position.

Bai Yuan said, "This junior thanks you, Lord Governor, on behalf of the Divine Mansion Sect."

With that, he turned and left.

An alliance was always about the strength of the allies. Only by displaying sufficient strength could he make Jiang Changping come to a decision, and his strength was the strength of the Divine Mansion Sect.

’Thinking back to the scene of Jiang Changping catching the blade with his bare hands... a Sensing Grandmaster is truly powerful.’

Watching Bai Yuan’s departing back...

Only then did Jiang Changping shake his aching fingers.

Clearly, catching that strike was nowhere near as easy as he had made it look.

"That kid has some skill. It’s a shame he’s married off so young, otherwise I could have given him a great fortune."

Jiang Yan finally couldn’t resist kicking her unreliable father.

She knew, of course, that the "great fortune" her father was talking about was none other than herself.