Prelude (7,000)

That evening, the Martial Arts Alliance hosted a banquet.

There are two themes: celebrating the ancestor's emergence from seclusion and expressing gratitude to Xu Yinluo for his righteous assistance.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an, Chu Yuanzhen, Tianzong Wolong and Chufeng, Master Hengyuan, Mu Nanzhi, and Miao Youfang sat in a row inside the hall.

Cao Qingyang and other martial arts alliance cadres, along with the leaders and chiefs of nine affiliated gangs, sat in a row.

In the central position sits the old, silver-haired scoundrel, Kou Yangzhou.

Because the main peak collapsed and everything needed to be rebuilt, the banquet was not a grand affair, and no singers or dancers were invited to entertain. The food and drinks were quite simple.

However, this did not mean the dinner was dull or boring; on the contrary, the atmosphere was extremely lively.

The martial arts alliance has no shortage of people from all walks of life; those who roam the martial arts world all possess unique talents.

The program included storytelling, singing, and dancing—or rather, storytelling and opera—furthermore, the women of Wanhualou showcased their talents with songs and dances, providing a continuous stream of entertainment.

Even Xiao Yuenu, the leader of a sect, personally played the zither and sang a piece of music, half of Xu Qi'an's "A Promise Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold".

Her voice was like heavenly music.

Cheers and applause resounded from all sides.

Impressive! Her musical skills are no less than Fuxiang's. Xu Qi'an clapped his hands and smiled, not hesitating to offer praise, and joined the others in cheering.

Fu Jingmen was drinking without eating anything, and she was getting a little tipsy. She slammed her hand on the table and said:

"These are Xu Yinluo's words. Since Master Xiao admires Xu Yinluo so much, why not have the Ancestor act as matchmaker and betroth you to Xu Yinluo?"

A sudden silence fell over the area.

Xiao Yuenu, as the pearl of Jianzhou, has countless admirers, yet at this moment, no one stands up to refute Fu Jingmen.

No man could Qi Ingestion anyone in this situation.

When it comes to Xu Qi'an, everyone just thinks Xiao Yuenu is marrying above her station.

Kou Yangzhou sat in the main seat, glanced at the naturally beautiful Xiao Yuenu, and nodded:

The little girl is quite pretty.

If Xu Qi'an takes a liking to Xiao Yuenu, then he should go along with it and help them get together.

Suddenly, everyone's attention was focused on Xu Qi'an.

Xiao Yuenu smiled demurely and glanced at him with gentle eyes.

If I refuse, it will be embarrassing for the young lady; if I don't refuse, Nanzhi will get angry and turn against me. Xu Qi'an was hesitating when he heard Mu Nanzhi beside him say calmly:

"The Lady of Xiao Tower is naturally beautiful and lovable, and she is indeed a good Xu Ningyan."

"If you don't mind, being my concubine would be fine."

Her tone and demeanor were like those of a high-ranking wife in a wealthy household, about to arrange for her husband to take a concubine.

Xiao Yuenu raised an eyebrow and said with a smile:

"Who is this auntie?"

Aunt?!

Mu Nanzhi's eyebrows furrowed, and her left hand unconsciously squeezed the Bodhi seed bracelet on her right wrist.

She was just about to assert her dominance and put down the arrogance of this woman from the martial arts world when she caught a glimpse of Li Miaozhen staring at her out of the corner of her eye.

Suddenly, she remembered how she had solemnly sworn an oath to Xu Qi'an during the day, almost to the point of swearing to the heavens that she was severing all ties with him.

"That little bitch from Tianzong is just waiting to see me make a fool of myself." Taking a deep breath, Mu Nanzhi said with a smile:

"I am Ningyan's mother."

She looked at Xu Qi'an with a loving expression. "My dear son, it would be excellent for Master Xiao to become a concubine in our Xu Household. Am I right?"

Everyone present was taken aback.

Unexpectedly, Xu Yinluo brought his mother with him when he went out.

They didn't immediately suspect anything, because the woman's age did match.

Xu Qi'an's lips twitched violently.

Chu Yuanzhen and Li Lingsu tried hard to suppress their laughter.

Xiao Yuenu kept her eyes straight ahead, her tone indifferent:

Xu Yinluo grew up with his uncle and aunt.

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly remembered the information about Xu Qi'an —he lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by his uncle and aunt!

So this woman who claims to be his "mother"

Fu Jingmen and the others looked at Mu Nanzhi, then at Xu Qi'an, somewhat bewildered.

"Wet nurse!"

Li Lingsu couldn't help but laugh and said:

"This lady is Xu Yinluo's wet nurse. Xu Yinluo has been inseparable from her since he was a child, and he took her with him on this trip from the capital to travel the world."

Chu Yuanzhen quickly lowered his head and drank.

Li Miaozhen burst out laughing.

Mu Nanzhi's face flushed red as she glared fiercely at Li Lingsu.

After this series of interruptions, no one mentioned marriage anymore.

However, the way Fu Jingmen, Qiao Weng, and other rough and uncouth martial artists looked at Mu Nanzhi and Xu Qi'an from time to time always seemed to carry a strange, deeper meaning.

In particular, they felt that although the wet nurse was of average appearance, she had a charming demeanor and was a very elegant woman.

Xu Yinluo lost his mother at a young age and lacked maternal love.

Fu Jing banished the bold thoughts from her mind, raised her wine glass, and said:

"Now everyone in the alliance says that Xu Yinluo is the reincarnation of Emperor Gaozu. Let's toast to the reincarnation of Emperor Gaozu."

A hero's personal morality is irrelevant. Although Xu Yinluo always had his wet nurse with him, he was still everyone's good Yinluo.

After a satisfying meal, Xu Qi'an and the others took their leave.

On the way back to her temporary residence, Li Lingsu started a conversation, saying:

"I have something to take care of. Please go ahead."

Li Miaozhen frowned and said, "Where are you going?"

As a junior sister, it is only natural and reasonable for her to interfere in and care about her senior brother's private affairs.

We'll talk about it later.

Li Lingsu gave a perfunctory reply, then a flying sword shot out from his sleeve. He gracefully landed on the sword's spine and whistled away.

Watching Li Lingsu's disappearing figure, Li Miaozhen snorted:

"He was acting suspiciously, very strangely. He was unusually quiet at the banquet, and didn't flirt with Xiao Yuenu or the girls from Wan Hua Lou."

Xu Qi'an stroked his chin and said:

"Speaking of which, we still don't know who Li Lingsu's old flame in the martial arts alliance is. Miaozhen, do you know?"

"I remember Li Lingsu saying that Quanrong Mountain is not far from Tianzong Sacred Mountain, and that Jianzhou will be the first place you visit after you descend the mountain."

The heroine Feiyan nodded affirmatively first, and then said:

"Li Lingsu doesn't seem to have any female confidantes in Jianzhou, at least I don't know. However, whenever I travel with him, I basically recognize all the female confidantes he makes along the way. Because he doesn't hide anything from me."

Xu Qi'an and Li Miaozhen exchanged a glance and said in unison, "There's a serious problem!"

Chu Yuanzhen asked:

"Perhaps, there really isn't."

Xu Qi'an and Li Miaozhen chuckled in unison again. The former looked at his nominal follower and said:

"Miao Youfang, do you remember before we came to Jianzhou, you pressed him about whether he had a lover at the Wanhua Pavilion, and how Li Lingsu responded?"

Miao Youfang imitated Xu Qi'an by touching his chin and said:

"He was stammering at the time, as if he had something difficult to say."

Hearing this, Chu Yuanzhen also became interested and analyzed:

"Given the behavior of Fellow Daoist Li's other two confidantes, they would have jumped out long ago upon seeing their lover appear in the Martial Alliance. They wouldn't have remained silent until now."

Hengyuan chimed in, "Unless she has some reservations?"

Everyone silently looked at Master Hengyuan.

"Amitabha!"

Hengyuan clasped his hands together, repenting for his gossip.

At this moment, Mu Nanzhi, who was holding Bai Ji, suddenly said:

"Li Lingsu must have gone to see her lover. Isn't your mirror supposed to be able to monitor from thousands of miles away? Use it to check."

She was retaliating against Li Lingsu's teasing at the banquet.

Everyone's eyes lit up.

Xu Qi'an said in a low voice, "Let's go back first."

The group returned to the courtyard where they had settled down, went inside in tacit agreement, lit candles, and then sat down at the table to wish Xu Qi'an.

Poured out the fragments of the Earth Book, took out the Celestial Mirror, Xu Qi'an lowered his voice, his tone carrying a mysterious undertone:

"Magic mirror, magic mirror, can you locate Li Lingsu?"

The Celestial Mirror protested:

"I am the Divine Mirror. Besides, why do you always like to spy on men? I've marked several beauties for you, yet you've never peeked at them bathing."

Are you praising me as a gentleman in reverse...? Xu Qi'an urged:

Stop talking nonsense and speak up.

"Of course, I once captured his Primordial Spirit in the mirror, and I have already marked him."

After Hun Tian Shen Jing finished speaking, he transformed his bronze mirror into a transparent glass color. The mirror surface first rippled like water, and then calmed down.

A picture appears.

Everyone saw Li Lingsu flying on her sword.

His direction was towards the western mountains of the Quanrong region.

Is it to see an old flame? But does seeing an old flame really require flying this far?

Could she be a married woman?

Various guesses flashed through everyone's minds, making them even more interested.

Mu Nanzhi and Li Miaozhen, in particular, had bright, shining eyes.

Before long, Li Lingsu pressed down on her flying sword and landed on a mountaintop.

He looked around and, seeing no one was around, quickly took out a wooden comb from his pocket and deliberately messed up his neat hair bun, letting two strands of hair hang down, highlighting his unruly and unrestrained temperament.

Next, Li Lingsu took out a fragment of the Earth Book and retrieved a long robe with a black background and embroidered gold and silver threads.

Thus, amidst his unruly and unrestrained nature, he also acquired a touch of aristocratic refinement.

He sheathed his flying sword, held it in his arms, leaned against a tree trunk, and hid himself in the shadows, bowing his head slightly and remaining motionless.

"You're so sexy! Why are you wearing Pinru's clothes? "Xu Qi'an almost blurted out this word uncontrollably after witnessing Li Lingsu's actions.

Li Lingsu, that disgrace to the Heavenly Sect. Li Miaozhen silently covered her face.

After a long while, a figure gracefully arrived, stepping on the treetops, displaying exceptional lightness skills.

She was a woman wearing a plain white dress, with her hair styled in a high bun, and a voluptuous figure.

She darted swiftly among the branches, graceful as a startled swan, elegant as a swimming dragon.

A woman in a plain-colored long dress stood atop the hill, her flowing skirt settling into stillness. Her eyes swept across the surroundings.

You're here!

A deep voice came from the shadows under the tree. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a carefree man leaning against the tree trunk, holding a sword in his arms and bowing his head slightly.

Half of his face was hidden in the shadows, while the other half was visible.

His facial features remained as handsome as ever, and he wore a magnificent black robe, his demeanor unchanged.

"It's her?!"

Upon seeing the woman clearly, everyone in the room gasped in surprise.

Xu Qi'an was stunned. He never expected that Li Lingsu's confidante was actually Rongrong's master.

He once thought she was Xiao Yuenu, the mistress of the Wan Hua Lou.

Chai Xing'er is one thing, after all, the Prime Minister has countless followers, but Rongrong's master is old enough to be the Holy Son's mother, it's simply... simply... Xu Qi'an glanced at Mu Nanzhi beside him. Yes, the Holy Son is right, the Holy Son's love is unrestrained and open.

Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen were dumbfounded.

Master Hengyuan was also slightly stunned, a little bewildered.

The two people in the scene appear to be arguing, and Li Miaozhen says regretfully:

It's a pity we can't hear anything.

Chu Yuanzhen immediately replied, "I am an expert in lip reading."

"I've already said it, our relationship is just a fleeting affair, it can't have a future, and it can't even be made public. Why are you coming to me again?"

The woman in the plain-colored long dress was none other than Rongrong's master, a plump and beautiful woman.

She kept a cold expression, turned her head slightly away, and refused to look at Li Lingsu.

"But I sent a little devil to tell you to meet here, and you still came, didn't you?"

Li Lingsu sighed softly, "Mei'er, age shouldn't be an obstacle to our love. If you're afraid of gossip, afraid of what your fellow disciples and fellow disciples think, then I can take you away."

The beautiful woman was slightly moved, but she hardened her heart and said calmly:

"Master Li, I am old enough to be your mother. In another ten or twenty years, I will be old and frail, while you will still be in your prime."

"Between you and me, we were merely passersby in each other's lives. Let's speak frankly today, severing all ties and having no further connection whatsoever."

Li Lingsu grinned and wrapped her arms around him, one arm around his waist and the other holding his soft hand.

"I was orphaned at a young age and raised by my master. I also want to know what it feels like to be loved by a mother. Since you don't want me to be your lover, then I will be your son."

The beautiful woman was both ashamed and angry; her delicate brows furrowed, as if she were about to erupt in fury.

Li Lingsu suddenly grabbed her hand, pressed it against his chest, and spoke with a sincere and profound expression:

"Mei'er, can you feel it? My heart is boiling with passion for you."

The beautiful woman stared at him blankly, her eyes glistening with tears.

Li Lingsu seized the opportunity, cupped her face in his hands, and lowered his head to steady his red lips.

The two leaned against a tree, sharing a passionate kiss, their actions becoming increasingly bold and explicit.

Snap!

Xu Qi'an flipped the Heavenly Mirror over and spread his hands:

"Next is the paid content; each person will pay me five hundred taels of silver."

"Pah!" Li Miaozhen spat at him.

Mu Nanzhi patted Bai Ji's head, and Bai Ji immediately understood. "Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!"

The night was cool and still.

Rongrong, a light sleeper, twitched her ear and heard the faint sound of clothes fluttering.

Someone used their light-footed skills to land in the courtyard outside.

She instinctively pressed down on the short sword on the bedside table, and then judged from the light footsteps that it was her master.

"Master, you're back from your training?"

As she was being questioned, she saw her master push open the door and enter. In the dim moonlight, she couldn't make out his features, but from his overall outline, he seemed somewhat disheveled.

Rongrong sat up, intending to light the lamp, but the beautiful woman hurriedly stopped her:

"Don't turn on the lights!"

The beautiful woman deftly bypassed the obstacles in the room, retrieved the wooden bucket from behind the screen, and turned to leave.

Half an hour later, Rongrong heard the rustling sound of clothes being taken off and the slight sound of water, and knew that she was about to take a bath.

"Really, what's there to be shy about?" Rongrong thought to herself.

She was raised by her master, and even in her teenage years, she would occasionally soak in the large bathtub with him.

Suddenly, she sniffed and whispered:

What does it taste like?

Martial artists have a keen sense of smell.

The sound of water paused, and the beautiful woman's voice, tinged with guilt, said:

"A smell? Hmm, it's probably from when I was practicing in the woods, and I got... I picked up some filth."

The young woman, unfamiliar with the taste of sugar, didn't suspect anything and simply said, "Oh."

"Master, what should I do to make Xu Yinluo fall in love with me?" Rongrong said with a worried expression.

The beautiful woman snorted coldly, "Forget it, just focus on your cultivation and look at the young people around you. Xu Yinluo is not someone you can aspire to."

Rongrong huffed, "I just like him! If you like someone, you should go for it. I'd be willing to be his concubine if I could see him every day."

"If you like something, you should go for it..." the beautiful woman murmured to herself, leaning against the bathtub.

Li Lingsu returned under the cover of night, her face glowing and smiling, perfectly embodying the saying "a happy occasion makes one feel refreshed."

Although she still couldn't face the relationship and was afraid of the consequences of making it public, she no longer insisted on cutting ties with it.

Li Lingsu could understand Ji Jinmei's concerns because he shared similar fears.

The fact that the two, who are nearly twenty years apart in age, became dao companion is a strange sight in the realm of the transcendent, whether in the Heavenly Sect or in the secular world.

They are even despised by others.

He pressed down on his flying sword, and as he approached his residence, he landed ahead of time, then carefully tidied his clothes.

After confirming there were no flaws, they returned to the courtyard house.

"Squeak~"

The gate to the courtyard was unlocked; the people living inside didn't care whether the gate was locked or not.

The moment Li Lingsu pushed open the door, the scene in the courtyard startled her.

Sitting around the stone table were Xu Qi'an, Li Miaozhen, Miao Youfang, Chu Yuanzhen, and Master Hengyuan.

Everyone was drinking, holding their glasses, and looking at him with strange smiles.

"What refined taste you have!"

Li Lingsu remained calm and composed.

Li Miaozhen asked, "Where did you go?"

"Just browsing around."

Li Lingsu answered in this way.

The Flying Swallow Heroine sniffed. "The smell of a woman's perfume."

The Holy Son remained completely calm and chuckled lightly:

"My damn charming senior's biggest problem is that he's too popular with women."

Li Miaozhen nodded slowly, then suddenly adopted a deeply affectionate demeanor and began to act:

"Mei'er, age shouldn't be an obstacle to our love."

Xu Qi'an silently stood up, looked at Li Miaozhen with deep affection, and said:

"If you fear the gossip, the opinions of your fellow disciples, then I can take you away."

... Li Lingsu's pupils dilated slightly; she was stunned.

Chu Yuanzhen shook his head and took a swig of wine in silence.

"Master Li, you may not know, but I also grew up without parents and don't know what it's like to be loved by a mother."

Miao Youfang hurriedly said:

"Hero Chu, do not be sad. Since you do not want me to be your brother, then I will be your son."

As soon as the words were spoken, a little white fox darted out of the house, its voice as clear and melodious as a silver bell, and said sweetly:

"Can you feel it? My blood is boiling for you!"

At that moment, Li Lingsu felt like the whole world had abandoned her.

"You, you all..."

The Holy Son's face flushed crimson, and he felt flames rising within his body, with illusory black smoke billowing from his head.

The members of the Heaven and Earth Society went inside to sleep, satisfied, leaving Li Lingsu standing alone in the courtyard.

"Oh, by the way, you lost both your parents at a young age, right? I'll have a chat with your elders later," Li Miaozhen added with a smile.

Li Lingsu has parents and is a member of the Heavenly Sect.

"What's the point of my life?" the Holy Son asked himself.

Qingzhou, the Provincial Administration Office.

Inside the hall, Yang Gong, the Layman Ziyang with a gaunt face and a goatee, solemnly reviewed the intelligence from Yunzhou sent back by his spies.

"Now we understand why refugees flocked to Yunzhou."

Yang Gong, the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Qingzhou, looked around at the officials below with a solemn expression and said:

"Intelligence reports that the Yunzhou government has issued a notice opening its granaries to recruit displaced people into the army."

Yunzhou is about to rebel. The officials' expressions turned grim; there was no surprise, no anger, only composure and seriousness.

Two months earlier, not long after the late emperor was beheaded in the capital by Xu Qi'an, the court issued more than a dozen official reports to Qingzhou, ordering Qingzhou to enter a state of war preparedness, stockpile grain, stockpile ironware, and repair the city walls.

Yunzhou is located by the sea, with an endless ocean to the south and most of its land bordering Qingzhou to the north.

The former dynasty's ambitious forces, wanting to use Yunzhou as a base to march north and attack the capital, must first capture Qingzhou to gain sufficient strategic depth.

If Qingzhou cannot be captured, the rebels will be pinned down in a corner of Yunzhou.

The Provincial Judicial Commissioner pondered for a moment and said:

"We must increase disaster relief efforts to curb the trend of refugees fleeing south."

Compared to other regions, the south was undoubtedly warmer and had more food, so the number of refugees in Qingzhou was extremely large.

If all these refugees went to Yunzhou, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The prefect of Qingzhou shook his head repeatedly:

"Although the imperial court has given us enough provisions, they are reserved for a protracted war. Right now, the country is suffering from severe cold and famine, and the court is short of food, which has been wasted on refugees. If we run out of provisions in the future, we will collapse on our own before the enemy even attacks."

In wartime, the needs of the army are always the first consideration.

Another official said:

"The disaster is severe, and the number of refugees is far greater than imagined. Yunzhou dared to open its granaries so wide, but their food supplies are not inexhaustible. Aren't they afraid of bankrupting themselves?"

Yang Gong said in a deep voice:

"For the past twenty years, the Yunzhou rebels have been hoarding money, food, and military supplies, all for this moment. Their accumulated resources and strength are far beyond our imagination."

"Your Excellency, what should we do?"

The officials all looked worried.

These days, refugees are all about whoever feeds them; they'll risk their lives for whoever provides them with sustenance.

Yang Gong pondered for a moment and said:

"Block the border roads leading to Yunzhou to prevent refugees from heading south. The claim that Yunzhou is opening its granaries for disaster relief is a rumor; furthermore, anyone who dares to spread the news of Yunzhou opening its granaries for disaster relief will be executed without mercy."

The prefect of Qingzhou frowned deeply:

"Your Excellency, this will cause a peasant uprising."

Yang Gong laughed and said, "I only said that the road to Yunzhou would be blocked. The refugees would have to travel over mountains and rivers or detour to neighboring prefectures to the south. That's none of our business."

Those present were all seasoned veterans, and they immediately understood the brilliance of Governor Yang's plan.

With the weather freezing cold and the mountain roads difficult to traverse, not everyone can manage to make the arduous journey south.

This greatly reduced the number of refugees heading south.

The same principle applies to detouring south through a neighboring state.

Because there is at least some hope, the refugees will not resort to desperate measures.

The commander of Qingzhou sighed:

"Fortunately, Qingzhou is relatively prosperous, with ample grain reserves. If it were two years ago, it would probably have been in complete chaos."

After more than a year of governance by Yang Gong, Qingzhou was a place of clean governance, with every household having surplus grain, and the government granaries also having ample reserves of grain.

Looking back now, the imperial court was prescient, taking early action to address the issue.

After traveling for two days and two nights, Ji Xuan piloted the Wind-Riding Boat and arrived in Qingzhou first.

To avoid encountering the supervisor outside Yunzhou, they switched to land routes, embarking on a long and arduous journey, and successfully entered Yunzhou.

Then, they re-entered the Wind-Riding Boat and arrived at Hidden Dragon City.

Above the sea of clouds, Ji Xuan stood on the ship's railing, looking down at the magnificent city built against the mountain, his eyes slightly dazed.

Two months away from home felt like two years. When he left Qianlong City, he had six experts by his side, but now that he has returned, he only has Xu Yuanshuang and Xu Yuanhuai by his side.

Liu Hongmian and the other two have disappeared without a trace, and Daoist Jiaoye died in Yongzhou City.

This journey through the martial world left an indelible and significant mark on his life.

"Finally back."

The Wind-Riding Boat hovered above Qianlong City, and Xu Yuanhuai, carrying his sister on his back, jumped down from a low altitude.

Ji Xuan took advantage of the situation to rise into the air, took out a small cauldron, and put the scattered dragon energy and the Wind-Riding Boat into the bronze cauldron.

The three of them walked up the cobblestone slope to the top of the mountain. The people and soldiers they encountered along the way all stopped to greet Ji Xuan warmly.

Ji Xuan responded to each question with a gentle smile. The higher they went, the fewer ordinary people they encountered, until they disappeared completely.

Passing through the low city walls, they entered the area where the royal family lived.

Ji Xuan headed south, towards the city lord's mansion.

The Xu Household siblings headed west, which is the direction of the Heavenly Mystery Tower.

After passing through each sentry post, Ji Xuan entered the city lord's mansion and met his father in the study.

A middle-aged man, dressed in a magnificent purple robe, with regular features and an imposing demeanor, stood before a large table, his hands resting on it as he examined the unfolded map of the Central Plains.

"I have discussed this with the Imperial Advisor and the generals, and we intend to march north. We must capture Qingzhou first."

The middle-aged man in the purple robe didn't look up, but said while looking at the map:

"But Qingzhou is now an impregnable fortress, and Yang Gong has governed it in an orderly manner. It must be said that Confucian School scholars are quite adept at governing the country and the army."

"Taking Qingzhou is not difficult. But taking it with minimal casualties and as quickly as possible is difficult!"

What do you think?

Ji Xuan walked to the table and glanced down at it:

"Qingzhou must be taken, but there's no need for a direct assault. We can take a route through the Southern Frontier, pass through Yuzhou, and go straight into the heart of Qingzhou. Alternatively, we can take the sea route, passing through the territory of the Witch God Sect."

The middle-aged man in purple robes nodded in satisfaction, then asked:

How did you find your trip through the martial world?

Ji Xuan's face darkened. "I am ashamed. Xu Qi'an is too terrifying and powerful. I have only managed to collect some scattered dragon energy so far."

"The dissipation of the dragon's energy has worsened the situation in the Central Plains, which is the best outcome for us. As for the dragon's energy itself, it would be best if we could collect it, but if not, there's no need to force it."

The middle-aged man in the purple robe smiled.

Ji Xuan's expression relaxed slightly. "On the way back, we saw many refugees entering Yunzhou. Father is planning an uprising?"

"I will be proclaiming myself emperor in Yunzhou in three days. Prepare yourself."

The middle-aged man in the purple robe said meaningfully.

Ji Xuan's hand trembled slightly. He tried his best to suppress his excitement and bowed, saying:

"Yes, Father!"

To the west, upon entering the mansion attached to the Tianji Tower, Xu Yuanshuang and Xu Yuanhuai went straight to their mother's small courtyard without even changing their clothes.

It was secluded and quiet, and apart from a few servants who stayed there, almost no one came to visit.

In the quiet little hall filled with the scent of sandalwood incense, a woman dressed in a dark blue jacket, a pleated long skirt, and with her hair styled in an elegant updo, sat cross-legged on a prayer mat.

Close your eyes and meditate.

Xu Yuanshuang pushed open the door to the small hall and said softly:

"Mother, we're back."

Xu Yuanhuai didn't speak, but a smile appeared on his face.

The dignified and beautiful woman opened her eyes, seemingly relieved, and smiled:

"It's good to be back. You've both lost a lot of weight, and there's something more in your eyes. You must have been through a lot."

She hesitated for a moment and asked:

Did you run into him?

PS: That's all for today. Don't wait up late at night. I'm announcing two book club numbers.

725606146,974490730

There's a surprise below—the author says!

P. S.: Ta-da! Here's a little surprise! I'll talk about today's update. I've been reading a lot about ancient warfare, as well as some exciting large-scale battles from history.

The theme of this volume is "The Battle for the Central Plains". Although I will not write about war in its entirety, and may even make some cuts to highlight the strengths and avoid the weaknesses, since the theme is war, I will definitely focus on the battles that concern the life and death of Great Feng and Qianlong City.

This requires catching up on a lot of knowledge. The key point is that this isn't something you can grasp or master in just a day or two. Reading the materials has left my head buzzing.