Two strong horses galloped one after the other along the cobblestone path shrouded in night.
Back when the world was still unified, the imperial court spent a great deal of national resources to build these bluestone roads in various places. Although the world was in chaos afterward, with warlords carving up their own territories, regardless of whether it was the north or the south, or the previous dynasty or the current Great Liang, the government at all levels still carefully repaired and protected these bluestone roads.
Because everyone knows that once these bluestone-paved roads are completely destroyed, the current imperial court's national strength is insufficient to restore them.
Su Che only came across this section recently while browsing through ancient books.
"Young master, let's rest our horses up ahead. We're alright, but they can't take it."
Lu Bai called out from behind, Su Che slowly pulled on the reins, letting his powerful warhorse catch its breath.
For Su Che and Lu Bai, they didn't actually need warhorses for transportation. Once they started walking, they were far beyond the reach of ordinary foals.
However, the current situation is special, leaving no other choice.
Su Che looked up at the sky, slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and swallowed the wisps of Moonlight Essence into his stomach to nourish his soul and internal organs.
"How long have we been out of Shanyin County?"
Although the imperial decree had been issued to abolish Shanyin County and merge it into Guobei County, and there was no place that could now be called Shanyin County, Su Che still insisted on using the name Shanyin County.
"We set off from Shanyin County six days ago, passing through Dukou and Lingfang counties along the way. We should be approaching Tian'an County soon."
The two set off from Shanyin County, following the trail of various Hungry Ghost Vicious Spirit. They did not remove their swords or unsaddle their horses. The reason they rode on warhorses was to hold their breath and not disturb the ghosts.
To prevent them from noticing something amiss and running away beforehand.
Tian'an.
Su Che looked at the long sword at his waist; the blade had cracked in many places under his pressure.
"This is the third time."
He untied the broken sword and threw it into the grass by the roadside.
"Young master, you can use mine."
As Lu Bai spoke, he began to unsheathe his sword. He was growing increasingly impressed with this young superior.
Along the way, he witnessed firsthand how Su Che tested his sword against a group of Hungry Ghost, and how his swordsmanship improved day by day.
What's even more remarkable is that this official seemed to never care about resting; wherever there were Hungry Ghost, they would immediately rush to the scene.
After starting, they immediately rushed to the next location.
"No need, I'd like to rest for a bit."
Su Che dismounted, letting the fine steed rest for a while.
"That Dragon-Teng Crimson Banner was something only core members of the Langya Wang Clan were qualified to use. I wonder which distinguished person was sitting in that carriage?"
Lu Bai took a week to change his luck and regain some of his strength.
The Langya Wang Clan, the Chen Commandery Xie Clan, Yingchuan Yu Clan were the most powerful clans in the Southern Liang.
Compared to these prominent families, the Duling Wei Clan, represented by Wei Huaiwen and descended from military men of Yongzhou, paled in comparison. How much more so the Duling Su Clan, whose descendants were few after their defeat at Fangtou?
"I wonder if the person who will succeed Yu Ze as the Circuit Censorate Censor of Ci Prefecture will be someone from the Langya Wang Clan?"
"These powerful and influential families are always the first to run away when trouble arises, but when it's time to make a contribution, they just appear out of nowhere and easily claim the credit."
Su Che closed his eyes and regulated his breathing.
" Ci Prefecture appears to be fine on the surface, but there's fire burning underneath. Whoever takes the position might get burned. They won't choose this time. They'll wait until others have dealt with the local troubles and eliminated most of the Hungry Ghost Vicious Spirit before they take over."
"But that was in the past. Given the current situation, I suspect the higher-ups have other plans."
Su Che stood up and looked at the rising fireworks in the distance.
It was already late at night, which was somewhat unusual.
Lu Bai adjusted the saddle and bridle. "We've seen several groups of Imperial Demon Hunters recently, and it seems they're all looking for us. Why are you avoiding them, young master?"
"I've been well-read since childhood, and while I wouldn't dare claim to have political acumen, I certainly consider myself to be insightful and discerning."
Su Che looked at Lu Bai behind him.
What is your opinion on the imperial decree to abolish Shanyin County and merge it into Guobei County?
"They must have had this in mind all along."
Don't you find it strange?
"Um?"
"Such a big thing, and no one even came to inform me."
"We set off for Guobei County first, and the imperial decree arrived later."
"Sigh, why deceive yourself?"
Su Che shook his head.
"Can such a big matter be decided overnight? Even if I don't know, don't Yu Ze, Feng Buxing, and my elder family member know either?"
There is another possibility, Su Che did not explicitly state. If that is the case, then things become even more complicated.
Perhaps the imperial court intentionally prevented Lord Su and Feng Buxing's people from knowing the relevant information.
Of course, what's worse is that Feng Buxing knew, but they didn't tell him.
"What does the young master mean...?"
"In their hearts, anyone can be sacrificed except themselves."
"I'll tell you what's going to happen next."
"Those Imperial Demon Hunters have come to me, asking me to return to Ci Prefecture to take charge of the overall situation. I expect there will be another round of promotions and titles then."
Su Che stroked the horse's mane; it was so soft and gentle, reminding him of Little Fox.
"Then someone will come over, presumably Yu Ze's successor, and say something insincere, saying that the court has no other choice but to accept the situation, and that the most urgent task is to save the people."
"Then they will imply that the current emperor is old and senile, which is why he made this decision, and that deep down they do not agree with it."
"The world is in chaos, and wars are raging. His Majesty will one day pass away. Once he dies, and the next crown prince or some other prince ascends the throne, things will surely change. That will be the time for me to realize my lifelong ambitions."
"When the time comes, we will assist the new emperor in ascending the throne, and the world will be peaceful and prosperous, a truly wonderful time."
Lu Bai looked at Su Che in front of him, and this Judge of Justice suddenly felt somewhat unfamiliar to him.
" Old Lu, you've had a tough time these past few days. Actually, my initial thought was to screw you guys, I'm not playing with you anymore."
Su Che looked up at the sky above. "These past few days I've often thought that since I've joined Yellow Heaven Sect, sooner or later I'll be able to ride the wind and travel the world, becoming an immortal. Why bother playing along with these people?"
"But upon closer reflection, what's the difference between immortals and mortals? Aren't there any high and mighty deities in this play?"
"Young Master."
"So we still need to have fun and make a name for ourselves."
Su Che watched as Lu Bai recited a few lines of poetry.
An ancient philosopher once said, "It is easy to rid oneself of the bandits in the mountains, but difficult to rid oneself of the bandits in one's heart."
"That's truly a profound saying."
"If we can't get rid of the thief in our hearts, then at least we'll kill all the bandits in the mountains. Old Lu, let's go take a look."
"Let's go take a look."
Su Che mounted his horse and headed towards the direction where the fireworks were rising.
The sound of horses' hooves shattered the lingering night.
Above the deep darkness of night, a bright moon shines forth.