Late at night, Gu Yuanqing stood at the courtyard gate, reading the letter in his hands with a slight frown.
Zhang Zhuo cupped his hands. "Young Master Gu, the letter has been delivered. I shall take my leave."
Gu Yuanqing smiled. "Sorry for the trouble."
Zhang Zhuo turned to leave.
Gu Yuanqing suddenly asked, "General, what about you and your men? How do you intend to face the Crimson Dragon Cult?"
Zhang Zhuo turned back, his expression resolute. "Our cultivation may be weak, but as members of the Imperial Guard, we bear the duty of defending the Demon Realm Seal. Death on the battlefield is nothing unusual. Even if our enemies possess supreme skill, the worst they can do is kill us. We shall return wrapped in horsehide, repaying the Imperial Court with our lives."
Gu Yuanqing paused, then said solemnly, "If you truly cannot hold them off, you can retreat into North Spring Mountain."
Zhang Zhuo gave a faint smile, cupped his hands, and turned away, his steps firm.
Gu Yuanqing watched Zhang Zhuo's retreating figure. He did not know what the Imperial Court intended, but this was all he could do.
As for leaving North Spring Mountain, he had never considered it. This place had become the foundation of his existence.
Returning to the courtyard, Gu Yuanqing had no desire to sleep. He reached out, and the table, chair, and teacup all flew over.
He reclined in the courtyard, took a sip of cold tea, and gazed at the stars for a long while before slowly closing his eyes.
He sank into Mountain Observation, sensing the presence of everything within North Spring Mountain.
Wisps of spiritual qi seeped from deep within the mountain. Nourished by spiritual qi, everything on the mountain slowly began to change. The imprints hidden