Then Ye Feng spotted Xiao Ling in a nearby field. After all these years, her appearance had never changed. She still looked just as she had when he left, except for a trace of world-weariness in her eyes.
About a kilometer away from Xiao Ling, two people remained hidden, glancing her way from time to time. Mostly, they chatted idly.
From their conversation, Ye Feng learned that they were both Pinggong's subordinates, under orders to protect Xiao Ling and her family.
Seeing this, Ye Feng could not help nodding.
"Pinggong is a man of some character. I've been gone for so many years, yet he's still kept his promise to me!"
At that thought, Ye Feng swept his Divine Sense toward Gucheng, but Pinggong was no longer there.
"Looks like he moved to the Capital! I don't think I've ever visited the old city. I might as well take a look!"
With that, Ye Feng left.
Xiao Ling's parents were still alive, so it was better for Ye Feng not to appear, lest he put her in a difficult position.
Before long, Ye Feng stopped above a large city. It was considerably more prosperous than Gucheng, with more high-ranking officials and nobles as well.
With a sweep of his senses, Ye Feng soon located Pinggong.
Pinggong's hair was now completely white, but he was still in good spirits. His eyes held less ruthlessness and more kindness.
After his experience with Ye Feng, Pinggong had suddenly lost his ambition for conquest. Taking his subordinates with him, he had cleared out all the bandits around Gucheng, then remained there, arranging marriages for his men so they could start families and protecting the peace of the region.
But a regional commander could not remain away forever without arousing the Son of Heaven's suspicions.