Chapter 123
Sunlight streamed over the city walls, illuminating Jing Yuan's pale silver hair as he sat in his office at the Shence Mansion, listening to a report from Vanguard.
"Based on the investigation by the Ten Lords Bureau and ourselves, the upper three levels of the Prison of Deep Seclusion are the most severely damaged, and reconstruction will take at least three months. The fourth and fifth levels are relatively less damaged and can be repaired in about a month. That concludes the report, General."
"What is the situation regarding the escapees from the upper levels of the Prison of Deep Seclusion? Approximately how many managed to escape?"
"General, you need not worry about that. Faced with the scene outside at the time, most of the prisoners on the upper level were terrified. No one dared to take the opportunity to escape. In fact, many prisoners' first reaction upon seeing us was to cry and beg to be imprisoned on the lower level."
Hearing Vanguard's words, Jing Yuan remained calm and gave the next instruction. "Understood. I'll leave the reconstruction to you. Also, hurry up and interrogate the forces led by Dragon Master Taoran. We must uproot the unsettling elements within Vidyadhara and find a way to expose the mastermind behind them."
"Understood, General!"
Jing Yuan told Vanguard he could leave, then lowered his head to continue processing the surge in cases. Soon, he heard Vanguard's respectful voice from the doorway again. "Lord Bai Jun, the General is inside."
He looked up at the source of the sound, and sure enough, Bai Jun followed closely behind, pushing open the door and entering.
Good morning. How have things been going these past two days?
"It's almost over. Fortunately, it hasn't caused too much of a stir among the citizens. But even so, the rumors are still growing and getting more and more outrageous. I won't go into details. By the way, how are you doing these General Feixiao's recovery going? Weren't you by her side the whole time?"
Jing Yuan looked at Bai Jun looked quite well, with a faint smile on his face, as if teasing the young couple.
"Her health has always been excellent, in fact, exceptionally good. These past few days, she's been complaining about why I locked her up in the Alchemy Commission. The only ones who need recuperation are my two friends Jiaoqiu and Moze. One lost too much blood, and the other suffered a serious fracture. Fortunately, Lady Bailu's medical skills are superb, and they've almost fully recovered by today."
He helped Feixiao resolve the long-standing knot in her heart, and not only did Feixiao find relief, but Bai Jun's mood also brightened as a result.
Especially these past two days Feixiao been like a clingy little cat, sticking close to him all day long, almost to the point of never leaving his side.
"It's good that General Feixiao and those two gentlemen are all safe and sound; it's a stroke of good luck in this incident. And we owe it all to you, otherwise, Luofu at that time probably wouldn't have been able to control General Feixiao when he was in Moon Rage. From this point of view, it's fair to say that you saved Luofu."
Jing Yuan smiled and nodded, his eyes and tone filled with appreciation and affection for Bai Jun, almost regarding him as his next successor.
After chatting about everyday things, the two began to discuss the aftermath of the incident.
As Jing Yuan had said before, the waters of Luofu had been stagnant for too long and it was time to stir them up and let the dregs rise to the surface, so as to purify the waters and promote purity. Taking advantage of this incident, the Buli person from outside the country, the Medicine King's Legacy within Luofu, and the unsettling elements within the Vidyadhara were all uprooted.
"As expected, it was the Dragon Master of the Vidyadhara trouble. But it's for the best. Without them, Bailu's growth will be easier and happier. Speaking of which, is there any news about the mastermind behind the manipulation of the Dragon Master and the Medicine King's Legacy teachings?"
"There is a mastermind behind this... but it's not good news."
Bai Jun clicked his tongue in as if he had expected it, while the faint smile that lingered in Jing Yuan's eyes suddenly turned into a trace of sorrow. He sighed deeply and then talked about the information he had just learned from the Ten Lords Bureau yesterday.
"At first, we were still wondering what the mastermind's true purpose was, to instigate turmoil within Luofu and to divert the enemy's attention from us. Now, the mystery has finally been solved—it took advantage of the destruction of the Prison of Deep Seclusion to steal the Shuhu and Blood imprisoned in the deepest part."
When the word "Shuhu" was mentioned, Jing Yuan's expression became terrifyingly gloomy.
Bai Jun didn't know much about Shuhu, only that he was the Emanator of Abundance who had instigated countless wars. He was eventually killed by Luofu, but due to Shuhu's powerful vitality Emanator of Abundance, the Alliance still couldn't determine his fate. So, his remaining flesh and blood were sealed in a box and imprisoned in the deepest part of the Prison of Deep Seclusion.
"You mean, the real purpose of the mastermind 'Mangus' is to steal the Shuhu and Blood?"
Bai Jun also realized the seriousness of the situation, and his tone became serious.
"I think it should be like this. The specific purpose is unknown, but I have a premonition that what will happen next will be an unprecedented upheaval for Luofu and even the Xianzhou. At this point, the chessboard will be set up in a situation that has never been seen in thousands of Amber Era. In such a situation, even the chess players will become pawns fighting on the battlefield. The outcome will depend not only on Luofu, but also on the rise and fall of the entire Xianzhou."
At this point, Jing Yuan suddenly fell silent, quietly got up and walked to the window, gazing at the scenery of the distant avenue.
After a long pause, just as Bai Jun was wondering what was going on, Jing Yuan's voice rang out again. "But no matter what, the Xianzhou will definitely be able to survive this calamity, and after this incident has completely passed, I think I should be relieved of my duties as general... no, it would be more accurate to say that other heavenly generals impeached me?"
Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is indeed the case.
Firstly, the Medicine King's Legacy continued to grow within Luofu, yet the Six Charioteers remained oblivious. As generals, they allowed this to flourish, which constitutes "dereliction of duty."
Secondly, the Prison of Deep Seclusion under Luofu's jurisdiction was attacked, suffering heavy losses. Hoolay and Shuhu Hu, who were imprisoned deep within the prison, were killed and lost respectively, which constitutes "dereliction of duty".
"The rebellion of Dan Shu, the turmoil of the Medicine King's Legacy, the plans of 'Mangus'... These things are only one side of the story in the eyes of the other Heavenly Generals of the Alliance. In fact, it was my dereliction of duty and negligence that caused all of this to happen, so it is reasonable for me to be held accountable by the other Heavenly Generals and the Marshal."
Jing Yuan's voice didn't reveal any sadness; it was more of a self-reproachful bitter smile, and... a sense of relief.
He was exhausted. In history, each General of Divine Strategy served for no more than one or two hundred years, but he shouldered this heavy responsibility for more than seven hundred years without ever daring to slack off for a single day.
Jing Yuan has endured and experienced too much, which can be considered both fortunate and extremely unfortunate. While the Xianzhou native gain endless lifespan, they also bear the wear and tear that time brings to their spirit. Living too long is a curse, which means that every mistake made in life is lurking in the shadows.
Bai Jun gazed at Jing Yuan, who seemed somewhat forlorn, and for a moment, unsure of what to say, he could only stand aside and silently listen.
"Don't make that face, Qing Yan. This is just my speculation. Besides, before the 'Mangus' matter is resolved, for the sake of the overall situation, the Marshal certainly won't make a decision that would shake the situation by choosing another general... In other words, I also have a vote to recommend the next General of Divine Strategy, right?"
"Hmm? I don't quite understand what you mean..."
Bai Jun raised an eyebrow in confusion. Although he didn't understand the situation, his intuition told him that it wasn't that simple.
"Hmph, it's nothing, you're just imagining things."
Jing Yuan's eyes began to curve downwards with pleasure, his pale golden gaze sweeping over Bai Jun's entire body from time to time, and no one knew what kind of mischievous idea he was thinking.
Yan Qing is exceptionally talented and has honed his skills over the years. His martial arts are now formidable, but his mind is as still as a stagnant pool in his palm. He acts rashly and is eager for quick success, which is a major taboo. However, he has a long road ahead of him, and with proper guidance, his future is promising.
Bai Jun was the one he trusted the most. Not only was his martial arts superb, but he was also meticulous and insightful. During his years working at the Earth-Balance Commission, he not only handled his duties perfectly, but his popularity was also exceptionally high. It could be said that he was practically born with the body of a general, and he was also Jing Yuan's first choice for general.
However, his identity is somewhat sensitive, and granting him the title of Luofu General is not easy. Putting aside the question of what Emanator he is, Elder Yan would definitely not agree. He has been hoping for a successor for nearly a thousand years, and he certainly will not let go of the treasure that is now within his grasp.
However, such matters depend on the circumstances. For example, the Divine Monarch also likes Bai Jun very much, and Old Master Huai Yan is still in good health and could easily live for several hundred more years, while he himself would struggle to even survive a hundred or two hundred years. So perhaps there is still room for compromise?
However, I still need to take some time to talk to Bai Jun about the principle of concealing one's abilities and using obscurity to reveal one's true strength. After all, always using laziness to cover up one's abilities is a kind of arrogance, and Jing Yuan is going to treat Bai Jun as his successor.
As for the agreement with Lady Fu? Hmm... the saying goes, the capable should take the lead. If it benefits the Xianzhou, I believe Lady Fu will understand. Besides, if Bai Jun can't become the Luofu General, wouldn't it be Lady Fu's turn?
Seeing Bai Jun's blank expression, it would be a good and interesting choice to say "You should be the next general!" But from Bai Jun's perspective, it would be extremely irresponsible. After thinking it over again, Jing Yuan decided to talk to Bai Jun about it later, so as not to scare him away. Until then, he would just train him as a successor.
Having made up his mind, Jing Yuan patted his shoulder with a smile, his previous lazy demeanor returning.
"I still have a lot of work to do here. Qing Yan, you should go back and continue to spend time with General Feixiao and the others. If I remember correctly, they should be setting off back to Yaoqing tomorrow. Take advantage of these last moments to chat with them."
"Indeed, then please allow me to take my leave."
After leaving the Shence Mansion, Bai Jun went to the Alchemy Commission, which he visited daily. Following his usual route, he quickly found Bailu's small clinic, a quiet and secluded place that Jing Yuan had specially arranged for her after she had begged him to come.
Pushing open the old wooden door, a faint scent of medicine wafted out. The three gilded characters "Hall of Salvation" on the lintel had faded somewhat, but still exuded solemnity.
Bailu spends most of her time within the clan, and even when she has time, she goes to various places to provide free medical services, so she rarely comes here. Therefore, the fine dust raised on the blue brick floor is hazy under the sunlight, casting sparse spots of light in the hall.
From the windows set up in the corridor, one can see a cloudless, clear sky, and the sycamore trees in the courtyard cast dappled shadows that sway gently in the wind.
Even though they were far apart, Bai Jun could still hear the noise coming from the medical room deep in the corridor.
"Remember, you need to calm your mind while you're recovering. How did you manage to climb onto the roof again? Haven't I told you many times not to do that? And you, Jiaoqiu, who gave you permission to cook hot pot in my clinic? And eating such spicy food while you're sick, do you even want to get better?"
"I'm just doing rehabilitation exercises, and it's more comfortable here than lying in bed."
"Haha, don't get so excited, Dragon Girl. This is a medicinal dish called the Nine-Square Grid Hot Pot in Yaoqing. Don't be fooled by its name; it's actually quite potent. Besides, eating spicy food helps with blood circulation, which is good for my physical and mental health!"
Bai Jun opened the medical room at the end of the corridor, and the first thing he saw was Moze hanging from the roof beam.
He was still wearing a sleeveless white hospital gown, with thick bandages wrapped around his left arm and chest. Despite such serious injuries, he still nimbly climbed up the three-meter-high roof beam, hiding in a dark corner like a fat rat.
Directly below the Moze, Jiaoqiu sat on a stool, using a fan in one hand to adjust the heat of the hot pot stove, while using the other hand to continuously dip slices of meat into the bubbling, dark red pot.
Standing beside her was the lovely and kind Miss Bailu, her thin, soft lips pressed into a straight line, her delicate and cute face inexplicably serious and tense. She shouted, "I'm the doctor here, you have to listen to me," while vigorously shaking Jiaoqiu's shoulders with her small hands, but it had no effect at all.
"A-Bai! You need to come and control these two! They're not listening to me!"
Upon seeing Bai Jun standing at the door, Miss Bailu's face instantly turned from worry to joy. She ran and jumped into his arms, pointing at Jiaoqiu Moze, whose expression was stiff and whose forehead was constantly dripping with cold sweat, and loudly complained.
Bai Jun glanced at Jiaoqiu and Moze with a knowing look, then gently picked up Bailu and comforted her tenderly, "Alright, don't be angry with them, Lady Bailu. Getting angry all the time won't help you grow taller, you know?"
"I'm not angry, I'm just upset that they don't care about their own health at all."
Upon hearing the words that she might not grow tall, Bailu's originally puffy, round face immediately deflated. She then arched her body and found a more comfortable position to bury herself in Bai Jun's arms. Although she said she wasn't angry, her beautiful dragon tail swayed from side to side, quietly revealing her true feelings.
Bai Jun held Bailu and coaxed her like a younger sister for a long time until a beautiful smile bloomed on her adorable face again. Only then did Bai Jun put the satisfied Bailu down. While gently stroking Bailu's hair, he instructed Jiaoqiu and Moze, who were sitting obediently:
"You two should stay here quietly for the last day. Tomorrow, when you return to Yaoqing, you can do whatever you want, but don't you dare make Lady Bailu angry again."
"Understood, understood!"
The two nodded in unison. They couldn't beat Bai Jun in a fight or file a complaint against him. He was practically a tyrant, so they naturally had to obey him unconditionally to avoid being beaten by the couple again.
"Lady Bailu, I'm going to find Feixiao now. I'll come back to play with you later."
"Oh, alright, General Feixiao is on the lawn in the backyard, A-Bai, you go ahead."
Feeling the warm hand leave her head, Bailu's eyes revealed a hint of reluctance, as if she were about to hand over her beloved older brother to another woman. Although she was very unhappy, for her brother's happiness, Bailu had to put on a willing expression.
Bai Jun didn't notice the subtle change in Bailu's expression. His mind was completely focused on Feixiao. After hearing the other party's location, he couldn't wait to cross the corridor, bypass the clinic and the herb garden, and quickly arrived at the backyard along a narrow stone path.
A gentle breeze blew softly, and the sunlight, like melting honey, flowed quietly across the soft lawn.
She sat under the sycamore tree, her long, slender fingers resting on her knees. An antique silver ring adorned her ring finger, its patterns shimmering with a gentle luster. Her pale silver hair swayed softly in the breeze, and she lazily squinted her eyes, enjoying the dappled sunlight filtering through the tree's shadows.
Looking at his beautiful wife, Bai Jun felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.
Bai Jun used to think that people who fell in love were out of their minds, but now he seemed to have become one of those silly couples. Just watching Feixiao's figure from the side, he felt a peace and joy he had never felt before.
"What are you doing spying on me over there? You're really shameless."
As if hearing Bai Jun's thoughts, those beautiful sapphire-blue eyes opened a crack, glancing to the right, their soft fox ears trembling slightly, and a happy smile on their lips.
Good morning! Didn't you sleep well last night?
"No, I rested very well, I just felt sleepy while Sun..."
Feixiao shifted her position and patted the empty space she had specially cleared next to her, signaling Bai Jun to come over quickly. Bai Jun stopped being coy and sat down next to her in a generous manner.
How is your recovery going? Are you feeling any discomfort?
"No, don't you get tired of asking every day? Everything's still the same as a few days ago, nothing's changed," "Crimson Moon," all my previous doubts have vanished, all thanks to you, my "hero"~?
Saying sweet nothings she would never have uttered before, Feixiao's eyes held a relieved smile as she leaned into Bai Jun's arms, using a softer tone than usual to coax him.
If someone who knew her well saw her now, looking like a delicate, pampered wife, they would surely slap themselves twice, wondering if they were dreaming. Otherwise, why would the valiant and mighty Merlin's Claw have turned into such a weak and frail woman?
"Is it wrong to care about your health? Given your current condition, you should drink at least two liters of water every day. Of course, alcohol is out of the question."
Finally, Bai Jun didn't forget to remind him again that letting Feixiao drink was absolutely forbidden.
"Of course, because beer is only 90% water, so I need to drink 2200 ml. I like to drink 53% ABV baijiu, which has a water content of 47%, so I need to drink 4200 ml. It's seven parts diet and three parts training. Although achieving this goal is difficult, if this is my husband's order, I will try my best and never let him down!"
Feixiao suddenly rolled up her sleeves, leaned her face on Bai Jun's shoulder and looked up at Bai Jun. A slightly smug expression appeared on her handsome face. She smiled and kissed his cheek, then sighed contentedly.
"Hiss, hiss, you smell so good, my husband!"
"What have you been saying all this time...?"
Ignoring Bai Jun's helpless expression, Feixiao suddenly straddled him on a whim, then buried her face in Bai Jun's neck, inhaling his faint scent like a catnip addict, her fair face flushed as if she were drunk.
The warmth she felt through his clothes, and the intense love beneath the faded desire, were both tender and unforgettable. At times, Feixiao even wanted to abandon everything and simply nestle peacefully in Bai Jun's arms. The phrase "a gentle haven, a hero's grave" was the most fitting description.
She knew that Bai Jun was hiding many secrets, but she chose to remain vague and silent.
Because in her heart, Bai Jun's importance had long surpassed that of a general. If she had to choose between the two, Feixiao would give up the position of general without hesitation or regret, even if it meant a great deal to Feixiao.
Perhaps staying with Bai Jun and choosing to become a pair of unknown wandering knights doesn't sound so bad?
Actually, nothing else matters. For Feixiao, all she needs is to be by Bai Jun's side.
She had once wondered what true love would look like: a love story with a frail scholar, like the tragic love tale in a novel? A poignant love story with a powerful monarch? A journey across the entire continent with a wandering merchant? Or perhaps a love-hate relationship with another unparalleled master, ending in a solitary journey, never to meet again?
Feixiao couldn't imagine what kind of person she could love, until now she has the answer—
He was a man with a sharp tongue but a soft heart, strong yet gentle. He never said "I love you" unless it was necessary or when he needed to express himself. However, the fierce desire hidden in his eyes proved his sincere and surging feelings for himself at all times.
"You should be going back to Yaoqing tomorrow, right?"
Bai Jun gently embraced her soft body while playing with her hair.
"Yes, a general is not a position to be taken lightly. Being away from one's post for seven days is already outrageous enough, and now this has happened, wasting two or three more days. The strategists alone cannot hold out for long. If we don't go back soon, who knows what kind of public opinion will escalate within Yaoqing."
Feixiao, leaning against Bai Jun's chest, nodded and continued, "Hoolay's death may not be a bad thing. Once the news spreads, it will not only thwart Bu Liren's attempt to Buli person, but also thwart the ambitions of those who want to exploit him. As for explaining things to the Alliance, I'll handle that..."
"I don't know much about politics, but don't forget you're not alone now. If you feel overwhelmed or too tired, feel free to rely on me. After all, it's a husband's duty."
Feixiao was taken aback. She lowered her head slightly and saw that the ring on Bai Jun's ring finger seemed to be shining brightly along with the tears in his eyes.
Immediately afterwards, she wiped away her tears with her sleeve and hugged Bai Jun tighter.
Later, the two started talking about their recent lives. They asked each other about their experiences and joked about what had happened in the past few days. Even though nothing particularly interesting had occurred, they just couldn't get tired of talking about it.
Bai Jun listened quietly.
Sometimes he would smile, and Feixiao couldn't help but smile back.
In the shade of the trees, bathed in Sun and wind, they lingered, surrendering themselves to time that belonged only to the two of them.
The next day, the time for parting finally arrived as promised. Following Feixiao's suggestion to keep everything simple, only Bai Jun and Jing Yuan came to see them off.
Bai Jun first bid farewell to Jiaoqiu and Moze, while Feixiao and Jing Yuan were discussing some important matter. Both of them had serious expressions. The conversation between the two generals only ended after Bai Jun sent Jiaoqiu and Moze into the interstellar warship.
Seeing that only Bai Jun and Feixiao remained on the field, Jing Yuan tactfully made room for them, and with the words "You two chat as you please, I have to go first," he disappeared from their sight in a flash.
"Sorry for taking up so much time with the topic of Hoolay, this is my apology."