Heaven Has Eyes

The leader of the Brocade Dragon Guard this time was named Sun Jingrui. Sun Jingrui was also an elite member of the Brocade Dragon Guard. He was tall and only twenty-three or twenty-four years old. He had a very imposing appearance.

The Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros he rode was also incredibly powerful. The two-story-high Giant Beast stood in the crowd, and people instinctively backed away; the Giant Beast was simply too intimidating.

"This humble old man respectfully welcomes Your Emissary Lord. Your Emissary Lord had a long and arduous journey."

The Lian Clan chief, along with several Clan Elders, including Zhang Dali and other members of the Warrior Reserve Camp, hurriedly squeezed through the crowd and came forward to pay their respects.

Sun Jingrui glanced at the old patriarch of the Lian Clan, his expression still relatively amiable.

Throughout the journey, Yi Yun did not recount his relationship with the ruling class of the Lian Clan. Sun Jingrui only knew that Yi Yun and Lian Chengyu were irreconcilable enemies, but he was unaware that the people bowing below were all Lian Chengyu's supporters and lackeys. Otherwise, he would not have given them the slightest bit of a friendly look.

After bowing, the old clan chief raised his head and kept glancing at the five Giant Beast behind Sun Jingrui, hoping to find Lian Chengyu's figure.

As a member of the Brocade Dragon Guard, Yi Yun's unicorn Giant Beast ranked fourth in the team. Because of its Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros, the unicorn beast was quite far from the old clan leader.

Although the distance was far, they should have been able to see clearly by now.

However, today, Yi Yun was dressed in Flying Fish Robe, with Wild Goose Wing Saber at his waist. He was dashing and handsome. When he first changed into this outfit, even Zhang Tan, who knew that the person in front of him was Yi Yun, was stunned for a while before daring to recognize him.

Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse; different clothes can give a completely different aura.

So the old clan chief didn't recognize Yi Yun. To be honest, this richly dressed young man riding Giant Beast was completely different from the peasant Yi Yun, so he didn't even associate him with Yi Yun.

The old patriarch glanced at Yi Yun hastily. He only had a fleeting moment of admiration for Yi Yun's extraordinary talent and youth. He thought that the Brocade Dragon Guard was truly full of outstanding people. Look at him, so accomplished at such a young age, it's truly enviable!

Then, his gaze focused on the several large baskets carried by the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros. According to experience, candidates from the Lian Clan were not qualified to ride the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros directly; they could only sit inside the baskets and look up from below. Due to the angle, they could not see what was inside the baskets at all.

As for the Warrior Reserve Camp in the basket, they looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Lian Chengyu's mess, they were eliminated in the first round and suffered a crushing defeat. They were too ashamed to show their faces in front of the entire village.

If they had successfully sided with Yi Yun before, they could have swaggered around as his lackeys. But Yi Yun doesn't care about them at all, which has left them in a very awkward position now.

The Clan Elder didn't recognize Yi Yun, but some people did see Yi Yun, like Zhou Xiaoke!

Because Zhou Xiaoke had been searching for Yi Yun, she noticed him even though Yi Yun was quite far away.

When she saw Yi Yun dressed in Flying Fish Robe, her mouth gaped open like a quail egg. That... that could be... Brother Yi Yun!?

Zhou Xiaoke gripped Aunt Wang's hand tightly, unable to believe it for a moment.

Just then, Sun Jingrui waved his hand, directly knocking two large baskets off the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros. The baskets landed heavily on the ground with a dull thud.

Bags of grain and meat wrapped in oilcloth rolled out of the basket.

The old clan chief was completely stunned when he saw the food!

The surrounding Lian Clan members were even more astonished.

They were completely stunned.

Grain! Meat!

Good heavens, am I dreaming?

For people who are starving every day and never know when they might starve to death, the sudden sight of food, especially meat, is incredibly tempting!

People who are starving will do anything for a bite to eat.

The old clan chief immediately trembled with excitement, "Your... Your Emissary Lord, all this grain... is for us?"

Sun Jingrui said calmly, "That's right, it's for the people of the Lian Clan. Your Lian Clan has made a contribution to the Divine Kingdom by nurturing a genius. Not only has he been granted the title of National Scholar, but he also has a good chance of becoming Human Race Hegemon, receiving a title and becoming a high-ranking official! This is a stroke of good fortune for your Lian Clan! Your Lian Clan has made a contribution, and because the Commander heard that your people were starving, he has bestowed some food upon you!"

When Sun Jingrui spoke, especially when he said the words "conferring the title of National Scholar," the old clan chief was deeply moved, his body trembled with emotion, and tears streamed down his face.

To bestow the title of National Scholar... I must have heard correctly!

The old clan chief really wanted to shout it out.

Cheng Yu... has been named National Scholar!

When the Clan Elder heard this news, they were all so excited that they seemed to have become forty or fifty years younger, as if they had returned to their wedding night when they were young.

National Scholar, that's a nobleman!

Although they were in the Great Wilderness, they knew what the concept of nobility meant. Moreover, the envoy from the Brocade Dragon Guard had said that Lian Chengyu had not only been granted the title of National Scholar, but might also become Human Race Hegemon in the future! Only Vassal Lords and generals were qualified to be called powerful rulers!

Heaven truly has eyes!

The surrounding people were also extremely excited. They knew that as long as Lian Chengyu became National Scholar, he would be granted a fiefdom, and they would be able to live a good life in the city.

They had originally said that it was too difficult to be named National Scholar, and they would have to continue to live a hard life in the Great Wilderness for a while longer. Unexpectedly, Lian Chengyu took it one step at a time and became National Scholar directly!

"Young Master Lian is truly amazing."

"Of course! Just look at who our young master is! When he was born, the whole courtyard was filled with red clouds—a celestial phenomenon! Our Young Master Lian is a star descended from heaven, destined for wealth and honor!"

A woman surnamed Lian said with great enthusiasm, "I'm related to Lian Chengyu by marriage, how could I not be happy?"

"It's more than just wealth and status! Didn't you hear Emissary Lord said? Young Master Lian is destined to be ennobled! He became Purple Blood Warrior at Young Master Lian age of seventeen; who knows what level he'll reach in the future!"

"The Lian family is going to prosper! Last night I dreamt of fields of golden rice, and this morning when I woke up I saw a nest of magpies flying to the entrance of the Lian family compound. They were chirping away. I knew it! This is a joyous occasion, bringing glory to our ancestors, and we'll be part of the family's good fortune too!"

Women chattered amongst themselves. Many young girls also hoped that Lian Chengyu would become National Scholar. Being a maid in National Scholar's fiefdom was much better than starving in the Great Wilderness.

Sun Jingrui, sitting atop the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros, was dumbfounded by the discussions among the people. He had never expected the Clan Elder the Tao Clan and the people to react this way.

He stroked his chin and turned to look at Yi Yun.

Sun Jingrui had initially assumed that Yi Yun was right there, dressed in Flying Fish Robe, wielding Wild Goose Wing Saber, and riding Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros. Wasn't it obvious who the National Scholar was? Did he really need to say it?

Now Sun Jingrui understood—it turned out these people hadn't recognized Yi Yun at all!

Sun Jingrui suddenly wanted to laugh. Yi Yun, that kid, had absolutely no presence in the Lian Clan.

"You're really in a sorry state." That was the meaning behind Sun Jingrui's expression.

Yi Yun saw through Sun Jingrui's thoughts and gave the latter a helpless look.

It's no wonder the Lian Clan members and Clan Elder were foolish. They claimed to have ten Lian Clan participating in the Divine Kingdom Grand Selection, but in their hearts, there was only one, Lian Chengyu. The others were just there to make up the numbers.

They never even considered that any member of the Warrior Reserve Camp, or Yi Yun, might pass the Divine Kingdom Grand Selection.

So when Sun Jingrui mentioned bestowing titles upon National Scholar, they could only think of Lian Chengyu, and it could only be Lian Chengyu!

Especially in the minds of many people, Lian Chengyu is still considered Purple Blood Warrior ! Can anyone else compare to him?

Moreover, they were unaware that Yi Yun's Flying Fish Robe and Kirin Belt were symbols of National Scholar. With the limited knowledge of these people from the Great Wilderness, they simply thought Yi Yun was a Brocade Dragon Guard warrior like Sun Jingrui.

Preconceived notions naturally led to this misunderstanding.

"Your Emissary Lord, Lian Chengyu is my great-grandson, um... has he come back with you?" At this moment, the old clan chief was as excited as if he had drunk a jar of fine wine, his face flushed.

Sun Jingrui looked at the old man with a strange expression, then nodded and said, "You're back..."

"Huh? Where is he?" The old clan chief found it strange. Since Lian Chengyu had returned, why was he nowhere to be seen?

"You want to see him..." Sun Jingrui looked at the old man with sympathy.

"Of course..." The old clan chief sensed something was amiss, but he quickly came up with an explanation. He said, "Your Emissary Lord, is Cheng Yu also in seclusion at this time? Well, as National Scholar, receiving the country's salary and resources means he should contribute to the country. If he doesn't practice diligently, he would be letting down the expectations of the officials and disgracing the name of a National Scholar. Practicing is important, and I'm not in a hurry. I'll just wait for Cheng Yu to finish his practice."

It seems that Lian Chengyu is extremely hardworking. The surrounding people are all praising him. No wonder Young Master Young Master Lian has achieved so much. He is highly talented and diligent. He even secludes himself for cultivation while traveling. Naturally, he is amazing.

Sun Jingrui shook his head. "No, he's not in seclusion. I'm telling you, what are you guys hiding in your baskets doing? Why don't you bring him out?"

Sun Jingrui shouted to the few Lian Clan reserve soldiers huddled in the basket.

Even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws eventually.

The members of the Lian Clan's Warrior Reserve Camp reluctantly poked their heads out, and also carried out Lian Chengyu, who had been jostled all the way and was foaming at the mouth.

The people of the Lian Clan were surprised to see the Warrior Reserve Camp carrying out a half-dead person and hanging him on the edge of a basket. The person's eyes were wide open and lifeless, he was foaming at the mouth, and his body was limp, like a dead dog being sold for meat in the market.

And how... how... does he look so much like... Lian Chengyu?

The Lian Clan was completely dumbfounded!

The Clan Elder were completely dumbfounded.

The entire room was completely silent!

After a long silence, a trembling voice said uncertainly, "He... he is Young Master Lian?"

"Impossible! How could Young Master Lian be like this!" Some people refused to believe it.

However, the old patriarch, as Lian Chengyu's great-grandfather, couldn't possibly not recognize Lian Chengyu this state.

"Cheng Yu! Cheng Yu!" The old patriarch panicked. He could tell that this was no ordinary injury, and that Lian Chengyu been affected!

"Chengyu, what's wrong with you?" The old clan chief's voice trembled. "Chengyu, weren't you granted the title of National Scholar? Speak up!"

"Clan leader... Lian Chengyu wasn't awarded the title of National Scholar ..." A Warrior Reserve Camp battalion carrying Lian Chengyu said speechlessly, "Lian Chengyu was crippled, his meridians were severed, and his martial arts were completely ruined. He has lost his qualification to become Brocade Dragon Guard."

"What!?" The old clan chief's head buzzed, and he almost fell over! "Liu Tie, what nonsense are you spouting! The Emissary Lord just personally said that Cheng Yu has been named National Scholar!"

When questioned by the old clan chief, Liu Tie became less polite. He casually tossed Lian Chengyu aside and said, "Lian Chengyu is ruined! Clan chief, accept reality... As for the National Scholar, he's right in front of you; you just haven't seen him clearly!"

As Liu Tie spoke, he gestured to Yi Yun with his eyes.

People's attention then shifted to Yi Yun.

At first glance, it looked somewhat familiar, but upon closer inspection, they were completely stunned.

Silence fell over the room again. After a long while, someone said uncertainly, "Yi Yun! It's Yi Yun!?"

"Yi Yun, Emissary Lord National Scholar? How could that be?"

People were utterly shocked. The woman surnamed Lian who had previously said that Lian Chengyu was a star descended from heaven seemed to have suffered a great shock, shaking her head repeatedly and saying incoherently, "Impossible! Impossible! He's just a peasant, he's just a peasant! How could he possibly be a National Scholar? Impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Jingrui frowned. Before he could say anything, Liu Tie's eyes lit up, and he jumped out of the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros's basket.

"You son of a bitch, who are you calling a peasant?!"

Liu Tie landed on the ground, took three steps in two, and slapped the woman surnamed Lian across the face!

"Smack!"

With a sharp crack, the woman screamed and was knocked to the ground.

"How dare you insult Young Master Yi! You're tired of living!" Liu Tie said, stepping forward and stomping on the woman's fat face. Another pig-like scream followed, and the woman's face was now smeared with filth.

Everyone was stunned. Liu Tie was very satisfied. He clapped his hands, turned to Yi Yun, and immediately put on a fawning expression, "Young Master Yi, please dismount."

Judging from Liu Tie's expression, he practically wanted to lie on the ground and serve as a stepping stone for Yi Yun.

Liu Tie figured it out. Although Yi Yun wouldn't accept him as a lackey, he couldn't be discouraged. He had to show his determination to be a lackey, completely break with the original ruling class of the Lian Clan, and resolve all the things Yi Yun wanted to do, making Yi Yun feel at ease. That way, he might actually become Yi Yun's lackey in the future.

Yi Yun looked at Liu Tie, utterly speechless. This was the norm for the Lian Clan's Warrior Reserve Camp: they were all incompetent, but masters of flattery. It was simply the prevailing atmosphere; the kind of master you have determines the kind of servants you get.

Yi Yun leaped off the Unicorn Giant Rhinoceros!

He landed lightly, making no noise except for the soft metallic clang of his Wild Goose Wing Saber. This sound made the surrounding crowd and the Clan Elder of the Lian Clan tense up and instinctively take a few steps back.

Upon closer inspection, Yi Yun's imposing presence was even more striking; he was like a sword drawn from its sheath, making it impossible for anyone to look him directly in the eye.

The imposing presence, noble bearing, and the oppressive aura emanating from their status and power caused sweat to bead on the foreheads of the Lian Clan Elder.

Now, they all confirmed one thing: Yi Yun had indeed been named National Scholar! From now on, he was a nobleman, and the difference between him and the rest of them was like heaven and earth!

(4300-word chapter, please vote with monthly tickets.)

...(To be continued~^~)