[Wuxia] The Free and Easy Journey of the Tang Dynasty (Complete) - 34

Chapter 127
Ghost Fiend lay on the ground, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Ba Feng Han, who was strolling leisurely towards him.
He said, "Ba Feng Han, you roam the grasslands like a hero, but I never imagined you would be so shameless and despicable as to take advantage of someone else's power."
Ba Feng Han, seemingly pleased, sat down directly in front of him and said cheerfully, "I, Ba Feng Han, have never considered myself a good person, but even I can't stand your behavior. If we're talking about shamelessness, I dare say I'm second to none."
Ghost Fiend was speechless.
Yuan Yueze, his body invaded by yang energy, felt as if his internal organs were burning. It took him a long time to expel the yang energy. He immediately pulled out Xiao Bei and her daughter, preparing to question Ghost Fiend about Xiao Bei's nephew
, Xiao Ge. While healing, his spiritual senses were incredibly sharp, and he had already sensed that although Ghost Fiend's vitality was tenacious, he could only live for another quarter of an hour at most. After a brief exchange with the mother and daughter, the two women were overjoyed. The treacherous Ghost Fiend was finally going to die. Xiao Bei immediately rushed towards Ba Feng Han's direction.
Upon reaching the half-reclined ghost, still trying to prolong its life with its internal energy, Xiao Bei's joy was instantly replaced by shock. Her delicate body trembled violently, and she gasped, stammering, "You...you're Ge'er?"
Her gaze fell on the ghost's chest, where the Zhanxuan Sword had pierced through. The surrounding clothes had been shattered by the sharp sword energy, revealing large patches of the ghost's terrifying purplish-red skin. A distinct black swastika tattoo on its chest was the reason for Xiao Bei's shock.
Yuan Yueze bowed to Yang Yan, who was dressed elegantly and had a blank expression. The two of them followed, just in time to hear Xiao Bei's soft exclamation. They exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.
Bugunatai also carried his brother, who was unharmed but whose acupoints had been sealed by a special technique, over.
His gaze fell on the mark, and Yuan Yueze remembered what Xiao Bei had said that day.
Gui Sha opened his eyes, only to find the divine light within them dissipating—a sign of life fading away. He struggled to look at Xiao Bei's pretty face, his eyes welling with tears, but his voice remained unusually calm as he said, "Aunt!"
Xiao Bei and her mother cried out in anguish, rushing forward to embrace his thin, hunched body, weeping loudly.
Yuan Yueze and Ba Feng Han exchanged bewildered glances. While the world was unpredictable, this incident was far too bizarre; no one could have foreseen it beforehand.
Ghostly Fiend, that is, Xiao Ge, didn't shed a tear. He turned to look at Yuan Yueze, his expression strangely calm, and said, "I accept that I've fallen into your hands. Brother Yuan, are you interested in making a deal with me?"
Xiao Bei trembled and said, "No, Ge'er can definitely be saved. As long as you have half an hour, Auntie can revive you."
Excitement flashed in Xiao Ge's eyes for a moment, then dimmed, and he said, "I feel the flame of my life rapidly fading away. I can only live for less than a quarter of an hour at most."
How could Xiao Bei not see this? He was only saying such things because he was in a state of panic. Moreover, reviving such a villain would be a real sin. Hearing this, tears streamed down his face, and he murmured incessantly.
Yuan Yueze knelt before him, placing his large hands on the shoulders of Xiao Bei and her daughter, channeling his inner energy to calm them down. He said in a deep voice, "As long as it's not something that harms others for personal gain, of course it's fine."
Xiao Ge's eyes, which had just begun to gather some divine light, became unfocused again. He murmured, "Harm others for personal gain, harm others for personal gain..."
Then he burst into laughter, and black blood dripped continuously from the long sword piercing his chest, showing how agitated he was.
After the laughter subsided, he gasped, "Is my current situation Liu Yu's fault? Do you even know who he is?"
Yuan Yueze was taken aback, not expecting his relationship with Liu Yu to be so complicated. He then briefly recounted what he knew. Xiao Ge was astonished, and after a long pause, he smiled bitterly, "So you all know so much detail, but no matter how you think about it, you'd never guess that I sent the Wu brothers."
Ba Feng Han, who had been listening intently, suddenly shouted, "Who is this expert? Please come and meet me!"
A faint sound of footsteps arose, and a beautiful, slender figure appeared in the distance, walking gracefully with seemingly slow yet actually fast steps. It
was Shi Feixuan.
She was still dressed in men's clothing, her demeanor even more serene and ethereal than during the Spring Festival, her otherworldly beauty even more pronounced.
In the blink of an eye, she was in front of everyone, her gaze lingering on Xiao Ge. "This must be Gui Sha," she said.
Yuan Yueze ignored her, his mind racing. He understood that Xiao Ge and Liu Yu must have a deep connection; otherwise, Xiao Ge wouldn't have sent the Wu brothers to betray him. His purpose was simple: he wanted Liu Yu and Yuan Yueze to fight to the death so he could reap the benefits. Past events flashed through his mind, and Yuan Yueze even grasped a vague clue.
Xiao Ge seemed oblivious to Shi Feixuan's arrival, speaking as if to everyone, or perhaps muttering to himself, "When our homeland was destroyed, my father and I were separated in the chaos of war. Later, I was rescued by Liu Yu on the verge of death." The
homeland he referred to was naturally Western Liang, and his father was Xiao Bei's elder brother, Xiao Cong, the last emperor of Western Liang.
Xiao Ge continued, "Liu Yu was extremely good to me, but later he... alas! I just never expected him to... Now you know why I dress as a woman!"
Everyone felt a chill run down their spines. Although he didn't explain it clearly, Yuan Yueze and the others remembered what Wang Shichong had said and knew that Xiao Ge had been castrated after being violated by that perverted Liu Yu, and that Xiao Ge's mentality had undergone a significant change afterward.
Shi Feixuan, knowing too few details of the matter, listened in a daze.
Xiao Ge's voice lowered, and he said haltingly, "This is the greatest humiliation of my life, but before I die, I feel that honor and shame, face and all that are unimportant. As long as Brother Yuan promises to kill Liu Yu with his own hands for me, I will tell you everything else."
Yuan Yueze answered without hesitation, "I promise you!"
A look of relief appeared on Xiao Ge's pale face, and he continued, "Later, I escaped his control and was rescued by the Shaman Master by chance. He saw that I was pitiful and had excellent aptitude, so he taught me the 'Blazing Sun True Skill' of the sect. Later, I became the sect leader and began to fight back against the Great Ming Venerable Sect. Along the way, I also showed no mercy to your side."
Xiao Bei sobbed, "Auntie doesn't blame you." "You're a victim too."
Xiao Ge forced a smile, coughed up blood, and said, "You might not know why Liu Yu and I were so determined to obtain the He Shi Bi. It's because, after removing the outer layer of energy, there's a rubbing of the 'War God's Record.' I saw it when I was following Liu Yu around, secretly flipping through his classics. This supreme secret can only be learned using a unique method. After obtaining the He Shi Bi, I used my unique method to study it for months. Just as I was about to open it, a middle-aged man with an aura very similar to Liu Yu broke in, took advantage of my weakness, injured me, and then stole the precious jade. I hate it so much!"
Shi Feixuan showed a thoughtful expression, indicating that the most mysterious of the Four Great Classical Novels had captured her attention. Suddenly remembering what Yuan Yueze had said to her in the restaurant that day, Shi Feixuan couldn't help but give him a wry look.
Yuan Yueze frowned deeply. The reason Liu Yu had mysteriously learned the "War God's Manual" was so complex. From this, he deduced that after Guang Chengzi and before Bei Shengtian and Chuan Ying, there must have been another master who entered the War God's Temple and then preserved the forty-nine diagrams in the He Shi Bi using spiritual imprints or other mysterious methods, waiting for a destined person to learn them. It could be said that Xiao Ge was a complete failure, and his life was a tragic mess. Recalling the details of that day, Yuan Yueze understood that Liu Yu's purpose in going to Luoyang was not to steal the He Shi Bi at all. He had been using Xiao Ge all along. His scheming was so deep that no one in the world could surpass him.
Yuan Yueze revealed that Liu Yu had been injured and had transferred his primordial spirit into Xu Kaishan's body. Xiao Ge burst into loud laughter, spitting out blood in a rage that was too painful to watch, revealing the depth of his hatred for Liu Yu. After the laughter subsided, Xiao Ge said, "I was still recovering from my serious injuries when Bi Xuan came knocking. Beset by internal strife and external threats, the Shamanic sect was wiped out overnight. I lost control of my emotions and went into a state of demonic possession. I eventually remembered a technique mentioned in the sect's ancient texts that used the placenta as a catalyst, and I began practicing it, which aged me considerably. Later, when I faced Brother Yuan, my confidence was severely shaken, leading to this near-death experience."
Yuan Yueze asked, "What is your relationship with Fu Nanda?
" Ge said, "It was nothing more than mutual exploitation. He secretly exchanged twenty pregnant women for my mysterious spiritual technique, I wonder who he'll use it to harm."
Suddenly remembering Yuwen Shang's words, Yuan Yueze asked, "Within the Shamanic sect, are you the only one who knows the direct lineage martial arts?"
Xiao Ge nodded reluctantly, then, as if recalling something, said, "I have a subordinate named Wuxiang, who is in charge of all the sect's scriptures. He was also ordered by me to infiltrate the Khan's court. On the day the sect was destroyed, he didn't appear. I think he probably hated me too much and betrayed me!" His eyes filled with
affection as he spoke of Wuxiang, making Yuan Yueze and the others' hair stand on end.
Yuan Yueze vaguely deduced that this might be the key to Bi Xuan's resurgence.
Suddenly, Xiao Ge's eyes widened, his divine light converging, making him seem unlike a dead man. This terrified Xiao Bei and her mother, whose eyes were blurry with tears. Everyone knew that this was a final burst of energy before death, and his life was about to end.
Xiao Bei had been continuously channeling her inner energy into him from the beginning, and seeing this, she quickly intensified her efforts. However, Xiao Ge's body continued to grow cold, unable to absorb even a fraction of her pure inner energy. Xiao Bei was terrified and cried out wildly, "Ge'er! Ge'er!"
Xiao Ge seemed not to hear his aunt's calls and continued, "I have committed too many sins and deserve to die. Aunt, please don't be sad for me. Death is not so terrible. At least for the first time, I have the thought of repentance. After I die, please cremate me dressed as a woman. The one behind me should be a disciple of Cihang Jingzhai, right? I'll tell you something: Liu Yu has already infiltrated your sect as a spy."
Then he coughed violently, his eyes began to slowly close, his breathing suddenly became rapid, and he murmured, "Life has no roots, drifting like..."
Before he could finish speaking, the light in his slightly open eyes completely disappeared, his eyelids drooped limply, his head tilted to the side, and his whole body grew cold.
Xiao Bei and her daughter cried out in anguish, embracing him tightly, their grief cascading like a raging river.
Yuan Yueze felt a deep sorrow.
Xiao Ge wasn't inherently evil; he had simply been led astray by Liu Yu, spiraling out of control. Death was the best ending for both him and those he had harmed.
His final words, "Life has no roots, drifting like dust on the road," perfectly encapsulated his own fate. In truth, who isn't like that? Life, like dust stirred up on the road, moves with the wind, beyond our control.
Yuan Yueze gazed at the few ever-changing, unpredictable clouds in the brilliant starry sky and sighed, "The clouds in the sky are like white robes, changing in an instant like greyhounds. The world is ever-changing, nothing more than this, nothing more than this!"
The wind blew incessantly from the boundless horizon, causing the oil-soaked firewood to flicker and leap, sending forth rapid crackling sounds, each time sending a puff of smoke and sparks into the void.
Everyone watched as Xiao Ge's body, dressed up by Xiao Bei, turned to ashes in the fire.
Yuan Yueze, disregarding how shocking his actions were, invited everyone to rest inside.
Su Su and the other girls surrounded them, seeing Xiao Bei's mother's pale face, and without asking further questions, helped the two women to rest.
After some effort, they revived Bielegunatai, and Chunyu Wei, already familiar with the area, led the two to wash up.
Although Shi Feixuan's jade-like face remained calm, her heart was in turmoil. She surveyed this paradise on earth for a long time, then fixed her gaze on Yuan Yueze, before unable to help but look around again.
Ba Feng Han smiled bitterly, "Did I do a good thing or a bad thing?"
Yuan Yueze, knowing his thoughts, comforted him, "Although Xiao Ge is Bei'er's nephew, his actions are outrageous, and everyone should kill him. Brother Ba, don't feel guilty. It's already rare that he could have such a profound realization before his death. Let this matter rest. The real culprit is still Liu Yu."
Ba Feng Han was grateful for his understanding and nodded silently.
The three of them remained silent, and the atmosphere immediately shifted subtly, filled with an eerie silence.
Ba Feng Han glanced at the pensive Yuan Yueze and the curiously scanning Shi Feixuan, laughed heartily, and got up to walk towards the door.
After a long pause, Yuan Yueze finally raised his head. His eyes were met with Shi Feixuan's delicate and beautiful features. Her small, white ears, partially hidden by her hair, were crystal clear and exuded a healthy fragrance. It was as if he were in a fairyland, causing his heart to flutter.
He asked, "Feixuan, why have you come to the grasslands?" His impression of her had changed drastically after learning that Shi Feixuan hadn't betrayed Song Yuhua, and he unconsciously used such an intimate term of endearment.
Shi Feixuan, who had just turned her head, met Yuan Yueze's deep, unfathomable eyes. She was caught off guard by his question, yet a strange joy rose within her. Her cheeks flushed crimson, making her breathtakingly beautiful, radiating feminine gentleness and charm. She instinctively lowered her head and softly replied, seemingly unrelated to the question, "Is Young Master truly a divine being descended to earth?"
Yuan Yueze, equally seemingly unrelated, replied, "If you say you came to eliminate the Ghost Fiend, I'll be the first to disbelieve you."
Shi Feixuan raised her head, a bitter smile playing on her lips, and said nothing more.
Yuan Yueze said in a deep voice, "If I'm not mistaken, Feixuan is acting on orders from her sect, and her target is me. You said you wouldn't enter the mortal world after the Spring Festival, but now you're back; there must be a compelling reason."
Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes flashed with a mysterious light that no one could understand as she stared intently at him.
Yuan Yueze was momentarily lost in thought, then said, "I was just thinking about this. In fact, you've been fooled too; Jieli is indeed not simple."
A look of surprise flashed in Shi Feixuan's eyes.
Yuan Yueze knew his guess was pretty accurate. He meant that someone was secretly communicating, luring Shi Feixuan to the grasslands from afar—it must be with ill intentions. In the Central Plains, Cihang Jingzhai was a sacred place revered by the righteous martial arts world; dealing with Shi Feixuan, a successor sent by Jingzhai, would certainly be no easy task. But in these grasslands far from the Central Plains, it was a different story. Moreover, Yuan Yueze was here; if something happened to Shi Feixuan, the first person the Xuanmen would suspect would naturally be him, the peerless demon of the demonic sect.
The human heart has no bottom; it only gets deeper.
The Xuanmen, knowing Yuan Yueze's actions, would naturally try to stop him. However, they were unaware that they were merely the mantis stalking the cicada, while being watched and killed by the oriole.
Shi Feixuan said calmly, "Young Master, are you not concerned about your own life or death?"
Yuan Yueze laughed heartily, saying, "Of course I care, but unfortunately, there's no one who can kill me."
A look of doubt flashed in Shi Feixuan's eyes. Her "Sword Heart Clarity" had reached an extremely high level, and she clearly sensed that Yuan Yueze's inner energy was not as powerful as before. She wondered if he was seriously injured as rumored, or if it was a lingering effect from his battle with Gui Sha. If she attacked now, Shi Feixuan might have the upper hand. However, considering he hadn't committed any major evil deeds, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
After a long internal struggle, Shi Feixuan came to a conclusion that surprised even herself: if she killed Yuan Yueze, she would feel guilty for the rest of her life, and would never be able to glimpse the Heavenly Dao again.
Raising her head slightly, Shi Feixuan met Yuan Yueze's clear, penetrating gaze. A sudden unease gripped her; she realized Yuan Yueze seemed to have grasped her thoughts, even understanding the inner turmoil within her.
A strange feeling arose within her; through a profound and subtle spiritual exchange, they had become kindred spirits. In her panic, she stammered, "Please let me out, young master. The matter with the Ghost Fiend is settled; Feixuan must take her leave."
Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "When a person dies, it's like a lamp going out. Although Xiao Ge committed many evils, he was also a victim, and he showed remorse before his death. I hope Feixuan will not mention this matter to outsiders, and let it go!"
Shi Feixuan was kind-hearted and would not gossip, so she nodded in agreement. Just
as she left, a loud, robust laugh rang out. It was the brothers Ba Feng Han and Belgunatai, chatting and laughing.
Belgunatai was slightly taller than Yuan Yueze, with strong limbs and a perfectly proportioned physique. He had long hair, was no more than thirty years old, and had a full beard. His features were clear and prominent, and he was handsome and ancient, exuding a compelling aura. He was like a great tree that could stand forever, unafraid of any storm.
Upon seeing Yuan Yueze, a look of gratitude flashed in his eyes. After bowing, he said in Turkic, "Belgunatai thanks Brother Yuan for saving my life."
He didn't mention being forcibly taken away by Xiao Ge, showing that he was a magnanimous man. However, Yuan Yueze was astute and perceptive. He vaguely sensed that Belgunatai was quite ambitious and cunning, unlike his brother Bugunatai, who was straightforward and frank.
After a few polite words, the group sat down. Hearing that Ren Jun was recuperating in seclusion a hundred miles away, Yuan Yueze nodded and asked, "Are you two going back to Shiwei next?"
Belgunatai shook his head and said, "We were originally planning to come out anyway. Since this has happened, we'll take the opportunity to visit Longquan."
When he mentioned Longquan, a piercing glint flashed in his eyes.
Then, his gaze fixed intently on Yuan Yueze, he asked, "Brother Yuan, what are your thoughts on the fall of Liyang?"
Yuan Yueze was slightly taken aback and replied, "Liyang has fallen? Since leaving Shanhaiguan, I haven't received any news from the Central Plains."
Belgunatai said, "We only recently received the news. Dou Jiande led an army of nearly 200,000, taking advantage of Liu Wuzhou's fierce attack on the Taiyuan area by the Li Tang, and after three days and three nights of continuous fighting, they captured Liyang. Only a few Li Tang generals escaped."
Yuan Yueze understood; this guy had already begun his "attack." His expression remained unchanged as he sighed, "I somewhat regret saving you."
Belgunatai's expression changed slightly, then turned red, and he clasped his hands in a fist salute . "I admit defeat," said one of the men. "Please forgive me, Brother Yuan. For the sake of our people, we have no choice but to do this. Alas!"
Bugunatai tried to ease the tension, saying, "Please understand my brother's predicament, Brother Yuan. Everyone has times when they have no choice."
Yuan Yueze replied without hesitation, "I understand your concerns. Since ancient times, whenever the Central Plains became unified and powerful, it was a nightmare for the tribes beyond the Great Wall. But aren't the tribes beyond the Great Wall the same? As long as the grasslands are unified, the nightmare for the Central Plains will arrive."
Ba Feng Han interjected, "This is human nature, it has nothing to do with race or nation."
Yuan Yueze sighed inwardly. The world must be unified, and political reform, no matter how difficult, must be implemented.
Belgunatai's voice rang out again, "If Brother Yuan can unify the Central Plains, how will you treat the foreign tribes?"
Yuan Yueze gave him a thumbs up and nodded, "Just treat them equally, it's that simple. Preserve their ethnic customs, and Han people and all other tribes can enjoy equal rights."
His words clearly showed his ambition.
The other three fell silent.
After a long silence, Belgunatai laughed and said, "To be honest, Brother Yuan, we have two purposes in coming to Longquan. One is to destroy the establishment of Baiziting's state, and the other is to kill Shenmohuan. This man is colluding with Jieli and is a traitor to our Shiwei people. Everyone hates him to the bone. As long as my brother and I kill him, our prestige will immediately soar, and we will naturally unify the Shiwei. Originally, we planned to surrender to Brother Yuan then and pay tribute every year. I didn't expect Brother Yuan's ideals to be so lofty, that everyone should be equal. Good! If Brother Yuan really unifies the Central Plains in the future, my brother and I will also unify the Shiwei. Then we will definitely support you with all our might!"
A wise man knows when to yield.
Whether his words were sincere or not, they were entirely beneficial to the Shiwei people. Since the split between Tuli and Jieli some time ago, the situation in the Northeast had changed drastically. Apart from the Mohe, both Abaojia and the Belgunatai brothers harbored the ambition to unify the Khitan and the Shiwei. Whoever seizes this opportunity to rise to power can expand outwards, securing internal stability while dealing with external threats; therefore, no one wants to see a neighboring country grow stronger. Regardless of Yuan Yueze's motives, he is undoubtedly here to cause trouble on the grasslands. This will not have any negative impact on the Belgunatai brothers, and they can gain the support of this unparalleled master who defeated Wuzun in two moves and intimidated the hearts of the grassland people. If they truly unify the Shiwei, and after expansion, even unify the entire grasslands, and their tribe becomes powerful, they can do whatever they want, and they will no longer need to consider Yuan Yueze's opinions. Belgunatai is indeed a far-sighted person, capable of enduring humiliation and hardship.
These are the qualities a qualified politician must possess. Even
if Yuan Yueze was slow-witted, he could guess what was going on. He smiled slightly and changed the subject, saying, "The Five-Colored Stone has made Bai Ziting the target of everyone's attacks. What is the current situation in Longquan?"
Bugunatai replied, "The conflict on the Great Grassland has now evolved into a struggle between the Eastern and Western Turks, the Tiele tribes, the eight branches of the Mohe, the Tuyuhun, the Khitan chieftains, and the various Shiwei tribes. Those who understand the times know that if they don't want to lose their families and tribes, the first priority is to unite internally. Therefore, Bai Ziting had no choice but to take a risky gamble before the conditions were fully ripe. This man is truly the most farsighted and capable in the Northeast." The leader, while feigning admiration for the Central Plains and claiming to be building a smaller Chang'an out of respect for Chinese culture, was in reality engaged in cavalry warfare against neighboring countries, choosing city defense over open field battles. The Khitan had attacked Longquan three times, all without success; only by defending could they launch an attack. Moreover, Bai Ziting had the strong support of the King of Goryeo; otherwise, why would neighboring countries have joined forces to attack him?
From his hesitant expression, Yuan Yueze could roughly deduce the mindset of the other tribes on the grasslands: on the one hand, they hoped the Mohe would grow strong to deal with the Turkic wolf army; on the other hand, they feared the Mohe would become too powerful and become a second Turk. This contradictory mindset made them act without regard for morality.
It was late, and after everyone had gone to sleep, Yuan Yueze went to Xiao Bei's room.
The other women were already asleep, only Yang Yan, dressed in a plain white dress, was still sitting on the edge of the bed reading, keeping watch over her.
This poor woman, who had just recently found her lost daughter, had lost her closest relative today and failed to preserve her brother's bloodline. Overwhelmed by grief, she had already fallen into a deep sleep.
Yuan Yueze held Yang Yan in the highest esteem, always bowing to her upon meeting her. After Yang Yan returned the bow with a slight gesture, Yuan Yueze sat at the other end of the bed, carefully examining Xiao Bei's haggard face. Even in her deep sleep, she seemed to be troubled by nightmares; her long, delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed. Yuan Yueze felt a surge of tenderness at the sight and gently combed her slightly disheveled hair.
Yang Yan held the book and softly recited: "The wind has ceased, the dust has settled, the flowers have faded, and I am too weary to comb my hair as the day grows late. Things are as they were, but people are not; everything is over, and before I can speak, tears flow. I hear that spring is still beautiful at Shuangxi, and I intend to take a light boat there. But I fear the small boat on Shuangxi cannot bear the weight of so much sorrow."
Yuan Yueze raised his head, meeting her gentle gaze, and sighed, saying, "Relatives may grieve, but others have already sung. What can be said of the dead? I entrust my body to the mountains. Does the princess hate that Brother Ba killed your cousin?"
Yang Yan shook her head and said softly, "Actually, I have never met him. I have only heard my mother talk about his talent. He did so many wrong things that the world cannot tolerate him."
After some time, she had changed her address and no longer called Xiao Bei "Mother." Yuan Yueze said solemnly, "The princess is wise and righteous, far surpassing many men in the world."
Yang Yan's face flushed slightly, and she shook her head modestly, not daring to look directly into Yuan Yueze's eyes.

Chapter 128 Spring Scenery of Songjiang
The two remained silent.
Only Xiao Bei's long, even breaths remained in the room.
Yang Yan secretly glanced over and saw Yuan Yueze gazing at Xiao Bei with the same expression he used to admire a work of art, as if nothing in the world could move this man who shook the world.
After spending some time together, her initial misunderstanding of Xiao Bei, and even her slight dislike for Yuan Yueze, completely disappeared. She developed a great deal of respect and goodwill towards Yuan Yueze. She herself didn't even know when it started, but she had already fallen for him, and even felt a little jealous of her mother.
She wasn't envious of immortality; it was simply the most natural emotion in her heart at play. Having once been a princess, she had seen many fine men, but most were arrogant, selfish, and obsessed with the thrill of conquering women. Once they possessed their alluring bodies, they rarely considered the delicate feelings of women, let alone genuinely respected them.
Yuan Yueze, however, was an exception. He was gentle and polite, and although he had many wives, he treated each one equally. Just looking at the carefree and unrestrained demeanor of Susu and Shan Wanjing was enough to make any woman in this era envious. The constraints of societal norms were heavy, but what normal woman didn't yearn deep down for a husband who wouldn't restrict her?
Yang Yan was no exception.
The room was utterly silent, but she felt no embarrassment. On the contrary, she found the scene warm and comforting, a feeling she would never tire of, even if it lasted until the end of the universe.
Time passed unnoticed. She couldn't help but yawn, startling Yuan Yueze, who looked over. Her pretty face flushed again, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.
Yuan Yueze stood up and said, "It's getting late, Princess, please rest early."
Yang Yan responded softly.
Yuan Yueze turned and left.
He knew that the mother and daughter had been living together these past few days, so it wasn't appropriate for him to stay.
Yang Yan watched his retreating figure disappear through the door, lost in thought.
Passing a room where the light was still on, Yuan Yueze stopped.
The door was wide open, and Chunyu Wei sat blankly, her beautiful eyes staring listlessly out the window, seemingly lost in thought.
She was used to the Hu people's attire, and for the past few days she had been wearing a loose-fitting robe and long skirt, revealing a pair of small, bare feet beneath. On a small table beside her lay a veiled hat adorned with pearls and jade, and a waist knife.
Yuan Yueze coughed lightly, and Chunyu Wei immediately turned her head, her small face beaming with joy. She smiled sweetly at him and stood up, saying, "Please come in, young master."
Her voice was both delicate and sweet, yet carried a foreign accent, creating a peculiar charm.
Yuan Yueze was utterly captivated by her pair of dark, bright eyes, full of untamed wildness. After exchanging a few polite words, he came to her side.
After sitting down, Yuan Yueze's gaze fell on the waist knife. Under the lantern light, the knife gleamed, its cold light penetrating, clearly an extraordinary piece. The blade was slightly curved, sharp at the front and slanted at the back, without a handguard. A strip of cloth was tied to the hilt. The blade was flat and smooth, without any pits, and because the blade was only about an inch wide, it was extremely sharp.
Chunyu Wei explained, "This kind of knife is very popular among the Turks, and it's most useful for horse riding."
She paused, then whispered, "My master gave it to me..."
Yuan Yueze began to understand why she had been so bewildered earlier. Bi Xuan might dote on her as his disciple, but under the circumstances that day, sacrificing one or two disciples to prove his innocence was not a big deal. So he sighed, "If you like it here, you can stay. Anyway, in the eyes of outsiders, you're already dead."
Chunyu Wei hadn't expected him to be so direct. She was stunned for a long time before whispering, "Then what should I do?"
Yuan Yueze realized that she had said this unconsciously out of bewilderment. Among the women of the grasslands, truly independent women were a very small minority. They were used to being treated like commodities. Chunyu Wei had been used to obeying Bi Xuan's orders for many years, and after this incident, she seemed to have lost her backbone, and her future became unpredictable.
Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "That's easy. From today onwards, you are Chunyu Wei, belonging to no one, living in this world solely by your own will."
Chunyu Wei's bright eyes lit up, regaining her usual charming and wild nature, and she exclaimed joyfully, "Really?"
Yuan Yueze immediately encouraged her, and Chunyu Wei cheered, revealing a charming and sweet smile. Her fragrant lips pressed directly against Yuan Yueze's handsome face, and after a loud kiss, her large, watery eyes sparkled as she stared at him without blinking, without the slightest hint of shyness. This charming and lovely girl made Yuan
Yueze once again appreciate the open-mindedness of the northern frontier, and he said with a wry smile, "Can I take this as the girl falling in love with me instead of simply being grateful?"
Chunyu Wei's pretty face moved closer, the two of them only half an inch apart. The girl's unique, delicate fragrance filled his nostrils, and Yuan Yueze's mischievous hands were no longer still. He smoothly pulled her slender waist into his arms, the fiery warmth and softness of her body drawing him close. Chunyu Wei gasped softly, "You're so powerful, even my master isn't your match. What's wrong with someone liking you?"
Yuan Yueze laughed, "
According to your logic, wouldn't countless people like you?"
Chunyu Wei's youthful and vibrant body pressed against him, inhaling his fresh, masculine scent. Her pretty face flushed slightly as she said, "This time is different! No man has ever touched my body before!"
Then, she giggled, revealing her lovely, white, and even teeth, her eyes filled with intoxication. She said, "Actually, I've liked you ever since you became famous a few years ago. If it weren't for the fact that all your wives are more beautiful than me, I would have been unable to restrain myself long ago!"
Yuan Yueze didn't mind. In fact, people in the border regions admired the strong, and women, due to their low status, were often submissive. Their yearning for powerful men was beyond the imagination of ordinary people. But her next words left Yuan Yueze both amused and exasperated. He had never seen such a bold and open woman before, far more assertive than Lian Rou. Moreover, this woman was innocent and naive; in boldly expressing her feelings, she had completely forgotten being betrayed by her master.
Yuan Yueze disregarded everything else, lowering his head to kiss her full, rosy lips. Although Chunyu Wei was bold, she had never been so intimate with a man before, and immediately let out a soft moan, closing her beautiful eyes, lost in the passionate kiss. Yuan Yueze's strange hands caressed her incredibly elastic buttocks, finding the feel exquisite, and his movements became more vigorous.
Women from beyond the Great Wall were indeed extraordinary; Chunyu Wei was passionate and generous, her small, inexperienced tongue entwining with Yuan Yueze's, her exquisite body twisting back and forth, responding to Yuan Yueze's strange hands. Her small, lovely nose emitted soft, moist breaths, exhaling waves of fragrance like orchids, deeply moved.
Unbeknownst to her, Chunyu Wei had been completely stripped naked.
Her face flushed, she breathed heavily, her beautiful eyes half-open, languidly reclining on Yuan Yueze's lap, her breasts high in the air, proudly displaying her most beautiful side. Her
full, rounded breasts, her slender, supple waist, her long, straight legs, and her fair, snow-white skin were breathtakingly beautiful and utterly captivating. Under the lamplight, her entire body shimmered, incredibly alluring.
Yuan Yueze carried her to the bedside, set her down, and kissed her rosy lips again, slowly and forcefully entering her tight body.
Chunyu Wei let out a muffled groan, her arms tightly wrapped around his back, her legs trembling violently as she clung to his waist. Her eyebrows furrowed, her pretty face contorted in pain.
After a moment of soothing, Yuan Yueze began again.
In their passionate embrace, Chunyu Wei, overwhelmed by pleasure and replaced by a sense of fulfillment, responded to Yuan Yueze's thrusts with abandon, moaning and crying out without restraint.
Heavy breaths and loud cries echoed through the air.
Though inaudible to those further away, Xiao Bei and her mother, separated only by a room, could hear them. Xiao Bei, exhausted from mental strain, was fast asleep, while Yang Yan, who had only recently lain down, was still reading poetry from later generations. Hearing the unusual sounds, she immediately understood what was happening. Initially, she muttered a curse at Yuan Yueze's shamelessness, but then she herself was aroused by the intoxicating sounds, her body flushed, her usually clear eyes misting over. Glancing at her still-sleeping mother, she gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and slipped her slender fingers inside her undergarments, gently moving them. Her other hand pressed against her mouth, barely managing not to wake Xiao Bei. Little did she know that this thought would only fuel the burning desire in her brain, and she began to moan in a sound even softer than a cat's meow.
Born into the palace and naturally dignified, she and her husband, Yuwen Shiji, only shared a bed two or three nights a month. However, after experiencing life-or-death situations and humiliation, her palace consciousness had faded, and she greatly envied her mother's open-mindedness. This led to her "heroic act" of "comforting herself" due to the influence of the nearby demonic sounds. "Ah!"
came Chunyu Wei's hoarse cry from the other side, and Yang Yan simultaneously reached the peak of her inspiration. She dared not utter a sound, pressing her lips tightly, her body beginning to convulse.
After calming down, she glanced at the still-sleeping Xiao Bei, her face flushed. Shyly, Yang Yan withdrew her hand, its glistening in the lamplight. Her damp, slender fingers made her heart beat faster, but the stimulation was even more intense. After extinguishing the lamp, she peacefully fell asleep.
Chunyu Wei stared wide-eyed at the enormous changes occurring in her body. She paid little attention to Yuan Yueze's later recounting of his background, for in her heart, Yuan Yueze was already a god; what did the "monster" identity before her matter?
Holding the soft, boneless, alluring body in his arms, Yuan Yueze was lost in thought.
The next day, the Belguna brothers were the first to depart. They needed to first inquire about the Shen Mohuan couple in Longquan and the surrounding area. This "vicious thief couple" was always elusive and swift, making the chances of finding them on the vast grasslands extremely slim. Since Yuan Yueze had promised to rid the people of this scourge upon seeing them, the Belguna brothers were naturally overjoyed and would strive to find them as soon as possible.
Yuan Yueze, having resolved the matter of the Ghost Fiend, planned to slowly enjoy grassland life with his wives, as long as they reached Longquan before April. Ba Feng Han, still worried about Jie Li's conspiracy, agreed with Yuan Yueze to meet in Longquan at the end of March before departing again to continue his journey of trials. Upon bringing Ren Jun back, they discovered his injuries weren't serious. Ren Jun also requested to go out for a walk, promising to meet again in Longquan at the end of March. The Arrow Master became engrossed in books from later generations within the bracelet, reading them day and night.
Yuan Yueze was happy for him, and the family began their eastward journey, exploring the grasslands and savoring the simple joys of a free and easy life.
Xiao Bei, a sensible person, knew Xiao Ge's sins were grave and he shouldn't live. With the meticulous care of Yuan Yueze and her sisters, she was filled with happiness. After more than ten days, her worries gradually faded, and she returned to her usual self.
Yuan Yueze practiced diligently. Although Zhu Yuyan hadn't arrived yet, his strength had recovered to nearly forty percent, and he was seventy percent confident he could defeat the "Indian Demon Monk" Fu Nanda, who was proficient in the ways of life and death and skilled in the "Brahman-Atman Unity" spiritual method.
Stopping and starting frequently, the family left the vast grasslands and entered the more varied mountainous region. Along the way, they were surrounded by dense and sparse primeval forests, covering the undulating hills. Clear streams murmured deep within the shade, and occasionally, flat grasslands could be seen. The spring breeze rustled through the trees, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. After emerging from a secluded valley nestled between two mountains, the view opened up before them. Below a long, sloping hillside, the grasslands stretched endlessly, a vast sea of trees. Among the waves of grass, tents and earthen houses could be seen. Fields of barley, spring wheat, and flax grew, while large herds of cattle grazed, showcasing a different, semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle beyond the grasslands. The earthen houses resembled makeshift tents.
The family lined up in a row, feeling the gentle breeze that refreshed and invigorated them, bringing unparalleled comfort and ease.
Chunyu Wei, who had blossomed into a beauty resembling a fairy, was an expert on the grasslands. Pointing to a large lake nestled peacefully among the mountains in the distance to the north, she said, "That's Songhua Lake. A dozen or so miles beyond that lake is the Songhua River. It's said that the river flows directly from Changbai Mountain here, merging with the Nenjiang River to form the Songhua River."
Everyone strained their eyes to see. Songhua Lake stretched along the mountainside, winding and varied, with cormorants busily circling above it. The shimmering blue water reflected the dozen or so colorful tents pitched on the lakeshore, creating a picturesque scene that was truly breathtaking. The area boasted a diverse array of trees—Pinus sylvestris, Pinus koraiensis, Larix gmelinii, and Elm—each vying for height, their colors vibrant and varied, almost like a fairyland.
Yuan Yueze cheered, "Good! Let's set up camp by the river tonight, and I'll prepare a sumptuous all-fish feast for all my virtuous wives!"
The women all applauded. Yang Yan blushed with embarrassment, having been unwittingly added to his list of wives, though she was secretly delighted.
Last night, Xiao Bei had already hinted to Yuan Yueze not to hold back and to act decisively. Yang Yan was her only family besides her brother in Chang'an, and of course she didn't want to see her grow old and die. With the example of Zhu Yuyan and her two grandchildren, what hesitation could Xiao Bei possibly have?
No one noticed Yang Yan's shy expression. Chunyu Wei clapped her hands, saying sweetly, "Songhua Lake is rich in silver carp, crucian carp, common carp, and bluefin bream. I especially love crucian carp cooked in the lake water; the meat is delicious, tender yet firm, and incredibly smooth."
Yuan Yueze grabbed her hand, laughing, "Are your hands as soft as Wei'er's?"
Chunyu Wei rolled her eyes, brandishing her fist in a show of defiance, causing everyone to chuckle.
Shan Ruyin was the first to run down the slope, shouting, "Let's hurry up and see who catches the most fish!"
The other girls followed, leaving only Yuan Yueze and Yang Yan behind. Yang Yan didn't know martial arts, making descending such a slope extremely difficult for her. Yuan Yueze scratched his head, saying, "Princess, please forgive my rudeness."
Then, with a soft cry from her, he scooped her up in his arms and leaped after her.
Yang Yan nestled shyly against his broad chest like an ostrich, listening to the whistling wind in her ears, a sense of security she had never felt before welling up inside her.
Several figures raced back and forth, their laughter carrying far and wide.
Yuan Yueze displayed his culinary skills, grilling the fish the women had caught using various methods, much to their delight.
As evening fell, two tents, one large and one small, were pitched along the riverbank.
Yuan Yueze was pushed out of the large tent by the women, and with a shrug, he walked towards the small tent that belonged to Yang Yan.
After taking a few steps, he noticed Yang Yan standing alone by the river, her back graceful and elegant, seemingly admiring the night view of the Songhua River. In the tranquil night, her simple long dress fluttered in the wind, like a fairy descended from heaven.
In fact, she was three years older than Yuan Yueze, but having lived a life of luxury for so long, she was remarkably well-preserved. If she had truly worked hard at Su De's house for a few years, she would have aged very quickly.
Hearing the rustling footsteps behind her, Yang Yan's delicate body trembled slightly, but she didn't turn around.
Yuan Yueze came to her side and looked at the river with her.
The river was wide and calm under the night sky, with rolling hills on the opposite bank. Scattered throughout were gray-yellow mud houses and tents, some still lit up, like bright pearls embedded in the earth. More than a dozen fishing boats with lights on floated on the river in the distance, giving people an indescribable sense of tranquility and serenity.
Inhaling her natural fragrance, Yuan Yueze felt refreshed and sighed, "Fishing in the Songjiang River is quite a sight. The pool's depths are clear, like autumn mist. Fishermen are itching to try their skills, so I also set out on a boat. The nets swirl and swirl as we approach the shore. In the clear water, one can count the minnows, perch, and silver carp, among which the sturgeon is the largest, measuring several feet in length."
Yang Yan continued, "The waves crash like a jade mountain collapsing. Throwing a fork a hundred times is no difficult task. Hooks and ropes pull the fish ashore, and it's like slaughtering a bull fifteen times over. Raising the net requires the strength of many, and silver knives and snow halberds fly and tumble. After calculating the merits and receiving rewards, the fishing is stopped. I was just thinking about the autumn river water..." "Cold."
Yuan Yueze turned his head and looked at her fair face, surprised. "Princess, you've only read those books for a short time, yet you can memorize this poem. It's truly remarkable."
Yang Yan turned her head slightly, a beautiful smile appearing on her lips. For the first time, she boldly met his burning gaze and said, "Young master, you flatter me. I've loved these things since I was a child." What was
most attractive about her was not her delicate features and beautiful contours, but the complex temperament of elegance, simplicity, and purity mixed with her innate nobility.
Yuan Yueze
exclaimed, "Oh!" staring into her beautiful eyes, and smiled. "Princess, would you be interested in discussing poetry with me by candlelight? I also have some insights."
Yang Yan's cheeks immediately flushed red. She dared not look at him again, turning her head to gaze at the river, and whispered, "Does young master think Yang Yan is a promiscuous woman?"
Yuan Yueze was taken aback and said, "Of course the princess isn't a casual person, but suppressing one's true nature too much is never a good thing. It's not much different from being promiscuous; it's all about not knowing the right measure."
Yang Yan nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Then is the young master a casual person?"
Yuan Yueze laughed heartily and said, "Of course I'm not a casual person, but when I'm casual, I'm not even human."
Yang Yan burst into laughter, her expression extremely captivating.
Yuan Yueze was momentarily lost in thought, then sighed, "Outsiders might think I'm too casual, but it's just a personal matter. What does it have to do with outsiders? Some people with nothing better to do always like to meddle in other people's private affairs, shouting things like 'I control everything—heaven above, earth below, and even the air in between; I control you on the left, him on the right, and everyone in the middle.' Bah!"
Yang Yan had long heard of Yuan Yueze's "rogue" reputation, and seeing him acting like a wild child, she couldn't help but laugh even harder.
The water plants beneath her feet were thick, and suddenly she slipped, losing her balance and her graceful body shooting straight towards the river surface.
Amidst a gasp, Yuan Yueze's strong arm was already around her slender waist. With a light touch of his toes on the water, the two began to glide low.
Yang Yan was utterly embarrassed. Yuan Yueze had one arm around her waist, while his other hand slipped under her armpit, his palm landing squarely on her delicate, perfectly sized breast. Yang Yan's heart pounded like a deer's, a mixture of shock and shame washing over her. Her whole body felt hot and weak, yet she dared not move. The feeling was incredibly awkward.
Yuan Yueze seemed to enjoy this sensation, gliding and taking breaths on the water, much to Yang Yan's dismay.
When they reached the shore, Yuan Yueze released Yang Yan, who, already limp, let out a soft moan and fell backward. Yuan Yueze immediately reached out and grasped her soft hand, his other arm encircling her waist. He whispered, "Princess, be careful."
Yang Yan trembled like a startled bird, her beautiful face flushed crimson, her ears turning bright red. She pressed herself against his chest, her full breasts pressed tightly against his.
Their breaths immediately became heavy.
Yuan Yueze lowered his head slightly, bringing his mouth close to her ear, and said, "Does the princess think I, Yuan Yueze, am someone worthy of entrusting one's life to?"
Yang Yan was confused and embarrassed, but upon hearing this, she felt a surge of joy. Not daring to raise her head, she gently nodded.
Yuan Yueze pushed her delicate shoulders away. Yang Yan hesitated for a long time before finally bravely raising her head to meet his gaze. She did not look away, her slender, curvaceous breasts heaving rapidly, revealing her inner nervousness. Suddenly, she lowered her head again and whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Young master, you've misplaced your affections. Yang Yan is no longer a virgin; she would tarnish your reputation."
Yuan Yueze laughed out loud, "Then think about it, is the man standing before you still a virgin?"
Yang Yan had never heard of such a theory before and couldn't help but giggle again.
Unfortunately, she only managed a laugh before Yuan Yueze's large mouth sealed her fragrant lips.
Yang Yan was extremely proper and could not withstand the stimulation of Yuan Yueze's skillful techniques. Her mind went blank, she closed her eyes, lost in his teasing, and her slender arms involuntarily wrapped around his back, beginning to tremble violently.
Yuan Yueze continued talking, his hands deftly slipping inside her clothes, invading her two "high grounds"—her alabaster breasts and her plump, pert buttocks—all subjected to his "ravaging." The intense stimulation and pleasure coursed through her body like an electric current, making Yang Yan's breathing even more rapid. Her arms, which had been holding Yuan Yueze, fell limply to her sides; had he not been holding her, she would have collapsed to the ground long ago.
When they parted, Yang Yan's pretty face was flushed, her beautiful eyes tightly closed, her small mouth slightly open, displaying an alluring appearance of being unable to control herself and surrendering to his every whim.
Yuan Yueze whispered, "Has the princess ever experienced the feeling of 'field battle'?"
Yang Yan, slightly more awake, was an avid reader with a sharp mind. She instantly grasped Yuan Yueze's meaning, giving him a charming sidelong glance before shaking her head vigorously, blushing, "Wouldn't that be incredibly embarrassing!"
Yuan Yueze picked her up and carried her towards the small tent, saying, "Your sisters all love field battles! The princess will surely enjoy it in the future."
Seeing that he didn't force her, Yang Yan was delighted. Thinking about what was about to happen and that she would be on the same level as her mother, a strange excitement rose within her, burning her delicate body.
It was a human animal instinct, just as Yuan Yueze said. Forcibly suppressing it or indulging it excessively was not a good thing. Yang Yan belonged to the former; her passion and desire had been accumulating for too long. Once her true feelings were aroused, it was like a flash flood, uncontrollable and raging.
Shan Wanjing, along with Shan Ruyin and Chunyu Wei, lay in a corner of the large tent, listening intently, occasionally exchanging a few words of discussion and argument.
Xiao Bei, Song Yuhua, and Susu, reclining on the comfortable benches, couldn't help but chuckle.
Among Yuan Yueze's women, Zhu Yuyan was the most conservative, followed by Yang Yan. When Yuan Yueze entered her warm, moist body, the intense pleasure that could drive one mad surged through her brain, yet she managed to maintain a semblance of consciousness, striving to control herself from making a sound.
These ancient, ridiculous customs and rules are truly harmful. Marital relations are instinctive, a matter of course; if one is bound by them, what joy is there in life?
With a sigh, Yuan Yueze slowed his movements, pressed his cheek against hers, and said softly, "Princess, suppressing your instincts like this isn't a good thing. No one will laugh at you."
Yang Yan slowly opened her tightly closed eyes, nodded slightly, and groaned, "You still call me princess."
Yuan Yueze chuckled and increased his pressure. Encouraged, Yang Yan relaxed considerably.
Although her physique wasn't as strong as a martial artist's, she was naturally resilient. However, enduring Yuan Yueze's varied and powerful attacks all at once was something she had never experienced before. Pushed to wave after wave of heightened inspiration, Yang Yan released all her suppressed desire, no longer restrained, and cried out passionately in response.
After Yang Yan's last loud and high-pitched moan and Yuan Yueze's hoarse roar, the surroundings quieted down.
As Shan Wanjing walked, she stretched and smiled sweetly, saying to her two little followers, Shan Ruyin and Chunyu Wei, "Finally, I can get a good night's sleep today..."
Upon seeing the scene before them, the three women's eyes widened simultaneously.
Xiao Bei and the other two women had already fallen asleep.

Chapter 129 What is the Intention?
The sun, not behind the distant, rolling mountains, cast countless rays of its setting sun. After
spending the night by the Songhua River, the next day, Yuan Yueze and his group simply built a large wooden raft and set off along the river.
After several days of travel, they felt that the further northwest they went, the denser the forests became.
As Yuan Yueze was admiring the high streams and flowing springs on the misty mountain ridges in the distance, and the sea of green pines and clouds, Song Yuhua's voice rang out, saying, "If we continue along the river, I'm afraid we won't be able to reach Longquan before April!"
Yuan Yueze turned his head and found her holding a map, her long, delicate eyebrows furrowed, looking in Chunyu Wei's direction.
Ming Chunyu Wei, who was chatting animatedly with Shan Wanjing, was taken aback upon hearing this. Then, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she said coquettishly, "Oh! I just remembered I need to get to Longquan by the end of March." The
others all wore expressions of amusement and exasperation.
Chunyu Wei had suggested that day that they travel along the river, reaching the confluence of the Huhan River and the Songhua River, and then going downstream. Longquan was on the east bank of the Huhan River, a route that offered scenic views and saved energy. Of the group, only she was familiar with the terrain of Northeast China. Looking at the modern map Yuan Yueze had shown them, many places didn't match up. They had no choice but to follow her directions, but little did they know she was even more oblivious than Yuan Yueze. Today was March 26th; if they really traveled along the river, they would definitely miss the founding ceremony of the Bohai Kingdom.
Sitting next to Song Yuhua, Yang Yan leaned closer to take a closer look, pointed to a spot, and asked, "Has this Harbin been built yet? We can speed things up, land here before dark, and then travel directly by land. We should be able to reach Longquan within a day."
Everyone gathered around. Chunyu Wei tilted her head, thought for a long time, and said, "There isn't a city there yet, but there is a large riverside market called Alejin nearby."
Everyone nodded. Over the past few days, they had heard many things about the grasslands from Chunyu Wei, such as how every convenient and particularly prosperous area had a center for the distribution of people and goods. The previous Yanyuan Market and the Mudan Market at the confluence of the Huhan River and the Songhua River had both arisen in this way.
Yuan Yueze sat at the bow of the raft practicing his internal energy, while Xiao Bei, with his profound internal strength, urged his internal energy at the stern to accelerate the raft's progress. The other women chatted and laughed. As they approached Alejin Market, many more rafts appeared on the river, with fishermen casting nets.
Alejin, located on the south bank of the Songhua River, is a long, narrow market town stretching as far as the eye can see. Although the terrain is gentle, it's still hilly, with scattered earthen houses and tents, most densely packed near the widest and flattest part of the river – the market town's center.
Before nightfall, the group had already reached the shore. The women were captivated by the sights before them, their eyes darting about.
The shore was sparsely populated, with few lights, creating an indescribable sense of desolation and melancholy. Entering the market area, the streets, neither bustling nor deserted, saw groups of people dressed in foreign attire occasionally emerging. Upon seeing several women of striking beauty, dressed in Han Chinese clothing, people would glance and whisper amongst themselves. Some girls dressed as herdsmen openly stared at Yuan Yueze. But many more, after a moment of distraction, began to glare at Yuan Yueze and his group as they swaggered through the market with hostility. If looks could kill, Yuan Yueze and his companions would have been dead countless times over.
Yuan Yueze didn't mind. The conflict between the Central Plains and the various tribes of the grasslands had a long history, and during the reign of Yang Guang, it had escalated to an unprecedented level. If he were to deal with it, it would probably exhaust him.
Yang Yan clung weakly to Yuan Yueze's side, not daring to raise her head. All of this was the result of her father's misdeeds, and as his daughter, she naturally felt bad as well.
"May I ask if you are Young Master Yuan Yueze? I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Yuan Yueze, with Yang Yan's slender waist in his arms, walked past what looked like a restaurant when a respectful voice came from behind, speaking fluent and standard Mandarin.
The speaker was a Shiwei man. He stood at the shop entrance, looking at Yuan Yueze with respect, not giving the women beside him a second glance. He was dressed in Hanfu, with long hair flowing down his shoulders, and was around forty years old. Unlike the strong and tough Belgunatai brothers that Yuan Yueze had met before, he was handsome and refined.
After a brief pause, the group approached. Yuan Yueze clasped his hands in greeting and said in Chinese, "Brother, your Chinese is excellent. May I ask what brings you here?"
The man was overjoyed and quickly stepped aside, saying, "Please come in, sir."
Yuan Yueze laughed heartily and, without any concern, filed in with the women. At the man's service, they sat around a large wooden table on the earthen kang (heated brick bed) inside the shop.
The man called out a few words in a language no one could understand to the back room. Receiving a response, he continued without looking away, introducing himself, "My name is Shuwen, a Shiwei native. I've been trading horses in the Northeast for many years, hence my fluency in Chinese. The chieftain instructed me to wait here for you and your ladies."
Yuan Yueze and his companions realized he was a subordinate of the Shiwei chieftain, Belgunatai. After a few polite exchanges, they invited him to sit as well.
Shuwen couldn't refuse, so he went back to the back room, personally brought out tea, and sat down next to Yuan Yueze.
The group took a sip of the fragrant tea brewed from locally sourced tea leaves and praised it highly.
Setting down his teacup, Shuwen asked solemnly, "May I ask if you have heard about the recent events in the Northeast?"
Yuan Yueze replied, "To be honest, Brother Shuwen, I have been completely unaware of any news from the outside world lately. Do you have any information to share with me?"
Since arriving on the grasslands, without an intelligence network and with Black King being sent out to search for Zhu Yuyan, Yuan Yueze and his group had been almost completely ignorant of the outside world. Upon seeing Shuwen today, they secretly praised Belgunatai's thoughtfulness.
Shuwen hurriedly said, "Young Master, you flatter me. Just call me by my name."
After a pause, he continued, "There are a few important matters I must tell you. First, about half a month ago, Jieli, in alliance with Tuli, the Khitan chieftains led by Abaojia, and Houjin Tiefuyou of the Mohe, a Mohe tribe whose alliance with Baiziting is irreconcilable, led nearly 200,000 troops to besiege Longquan. They vowed to force Baiziting to abandon its state, or else they would raze Longquan to the ground and kill all its people. This afternoon, we received news that Tuli's 50,000 Black Wolf Army has already encamped near Yanshouji, a hundred miles from here, on the edge of Taohuan Mountain. Judging from the timing, Jieli and his men should be able to reach Longquan before the first day of the fourth month." As
he spoke, he glanced at Yuan Yueze, who remained calm, nodding as he listened, his gaze fixed on the beautiful scenery of the fertile plains stretching for miles along the riverbank outside the window. The other women also showed no change in expression, seemingly unconcerned about such matters.
On the distant grasslands, several herdsmen wearing brightly colored caps drove their large herds of cattle and sheep slowly away; on the river flowing northwest, fishermen on rafts cast and unloaded their nets—everything was brimming with the vitality of life. Unfortunately, amidst the increasingly treacherous struggles among the various tribes beyond the Great Wall, the current peace and tranquility could not last.
Yuan Yueze sighed inwardly, withdrew his gaze, and said, "Hasn't Jieli allied with that infamous couple of thieves from your Shiwei?" Shuwen's
eyes first flashed with hatred, then revealed an extremely joyful expression, saying, "With Jieli's backing, this pair of scoundrels has been plundering the livestock of various Shiwei tribes in recent years, committing all sorts of crimes, from rape to robbery. Fortunately, thanks to the chieftain's investigation, their whereabouts were discovered seven days ago on the border between Shiwei and Mohe, and they were also helped by Ba Feng Han, whom they encountered on the road. Unfortunately, Shen Mo Huan still managed to escape."
He paused, then explained animatedly, "That day, Master Ba and the chieftain's three brothers..." The Shang Shenmohuan bandits numbered over three hundred. Master Ba, acting out of righteousness, challenged Shenmohuan to a duel to the death. Shenmohuan, always arrogant and audacious, accepted the challenge. After a hundred exchanges, just as Master Ba was about to kill him with a single sword strike, his wife, Muling, stealthily attacked Master Ba, who killed her on the spot. The sand bandits, devoid of any sense of honor, all attacked the three chieftains together. Although the three chieftains ultimately routed the sand bandits, Shenmohuan, only slightly wounded, escaped. The sand bandits were masters of concealment and tracking, and even the chieftains were helpless against him.
Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "This Shenmohuan seems truly formidable; he even managed to escape from Ba Feng's cold sword. " Shuwen's voice continued, "Another piece of news is that another friend of yours, Master Ren, who killed the Khitan bandit Huyan Jin, also killed the Goryeo bandit Han Chaoan, who was committing murder and robbery, five days ago at Meituo Lake, shaking the Great Grassland with his might."
Yuan Yueze glanced at Shuwen's respectful yet complex expression, then exchanged another look with the women, inwardly chuckling. He thought to himself that these two brothers were truly capable; they had wiped out the three strongest bandit groups in the Northeast in such a short time. At the same time, he also sensed Shuwen's extraordinary knowledge of the Northeast.
Dan Ruyin interrupted hastily, "Then where is your clan leader?"
Shuwen dared not look at her, and sighed with his head down, "Please allow me to speak slowly, Madam. Just the day before yesterday, I received the latest news from Longquan City that Lord Ren, for some unknown reason, challenged the Imperial Preceptor Fu Nanda of Bai Ziting, and was defeated and captured in public. His fate is unknown, and I have already ordered my men to do their best to rescue him..."
Yuan Yueze's expression finally changed, and he slammed his fist on the table in anger, "That wicked monk Fu Nanda, how dare he be so audacious!"
Then he got up to leave.
Song Yuhua hurriedly grabbed him, saying, "Husband, you mustn't be impulsive. If something really happens to Xiaojun, it will be too late to leave now!"
Yuan Yueze slumped down.
He knew Ren Jun would never challenge Fu Nanda simply to improve his strength or show off; that wasn't his style. There must be some reason others didn't know. Concern clouded his judgment. Remembering the instructions Shan Meixian and Dugu Feng had given him before his departure, he immediately calmed down, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes. He said, "Brother Shuwen, please tell me the rest of the news. I must rush to Longquan tonight!"
A chilling killing intent filled the space. Shuwen felt a chill run down his spine and gritted his teeth, saying, "The clan leader heard this news and immediately set off back to the clan to gather manpower, preparing to storm Longquan and rescue Master Ren. As for the rest of the news, oh! I'm afraid there's no need to say anything."
Everyone followed his gaze and saw a burly man with a sword walk in through the doorway. His physique and appearance closely resembled Tuli, but he was younger. He stood at the door, forcefully resisting Yuan Yueze's omnipresent and sharp energy.
Yuan Yueze let out a long sigh, calming himself down. Ignoring the burly man at the door, who clearly had a close relationship with Tuli, he continued to Shuwen, "Brother Shuwen, please continue."
Both Shuwen and the burly man at the door were somewhat embarrassed. Shuwen coughed, excused himself, and stood up, speaking in Turkic, "What brings you here, friend?"
The burly man offered a simple, polite greeting, then stepped forward and bowed to Yuan Yueze, saying, "Greetings, Brother Yuan. My name is Jieshelu, and I am the younger brother of Tuli Khan. The Khan has sent men to keep watch on us along the way. He invites you to Yanshouji for a chat."
Yuan Yueze... Ze scoffed, "What's there to talk about? Since Tuli is in cahoots with Jieli, are they trying to lure me over to ambush me?"
Jieshe's eyes flashed with anger, but he dared not contradict him, forcing a smile, "Brother Yuan, you jest. With your abilities, who in the world could ambush you?"
Xiao Bei grabbed Yuan Yueze's large hand, generously saying, "General, please don't be offended. My husband is in a very bad mood; his words just now were unintentional. We'll go with you then."
Under the moonlight, Jieshe's group of several dozen men led the way, with Yuan Yueze, Xiao Bei, and Shan Wanjing following far behind.
The other women had already been taken away by him when no one was looking. Shan Wanjing spoke up, "Just now, Mr. Shuwen told me that Jieli invited Sister Xiufang to perform for Baiziting, who is obsessed with Central Plains culture, at the founding ceremony. They should arrive in Longquan in the next few days. They definitely don't have good intentions."
Yuan Yueze's heart had calmed down. Just as Song Yuhua said, if Ren Jun really had an accident, there was no use in being anxious now. If he lost his composure, he would not be able to continue thinking rationally. After hearing Shan Wanjing's words, Yuan Yueze immediately replied, "Jieli originally wanted to harm me, but he was affected by the situation on the grasslands and temporarily shelved his plan to kill me. By having Xiufang lure me to Longquan, he can both destroy the Bohai Kingdom and kill me with his army. He kills two birds with one stone. Why wouldn't he be happy to do it? Hey! That old fox Jieli, how can I not 'repay' you for this 'favor'!"
The two women were overjoyed to see him regain his composure. The three of them increased their speed even more, easily overtaking the Jieshe group who were desperately riding their horses, and headed southeast.
Jieshe and his companions were dumbfounded. Initially, they had secretly mocked Yuan Yueze, this man from the Central Plains, for overestimating himself by daring to come to the grasslands without even preparing a horse. Now, they no longer doubted his abilities.
Yuan Yueze and his two companions stopped on a hilltop by the Mayan River and looked out. Looking down, on the basin-shaped alluvial plain across the river, lakes and marshes were scattered like stars. Hundreds of feet away, on the shore of a large lake, thousands of military tents were arranged in an orderly fashion, with campfires everywhere, eclipsing even the moonlight and starlight. The soldiers on guard duty and those roasting food had clear divisions of labor, and despite the large number of people, there was no disorder, demonstrating the strict discipline under Tuli's rule. The military flag with a black wolf's head was raised high, and the banner fluttered in the long wind blowing across the grasslands.
After a long time, Jieshe and his group finally caught up. Exhausted, he still pursed his lips and let out a strange cry, as if sending a signal to the distance.
The sound of hooves rang out, and a dark figure gradually became clear in the distance—it was Tuli in military uniform.
Tuli leaped off his horse, somersaulted, and landed in front of Yuan Yueze and his companions. He grabbed Yuan Yueze's shoulder and laughed heartily, "Brother, I've finally waited for you!"
Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, embraced him, and then they parted.
Tuli's solo arrival seemed to indicate his stance. Yuan Yueze, of course, had prepared for the worst: that Tuli would lure him into a trap and attack him. This had nothing to do with their friendship or Tuli's character, because Yuan Yueze was someone who could influence the survival and development of any race. In such a situation, personal feelings had no place. Tuli, a ruthless and ambitious man, was well aware of this.
Tuli seemed to sense that Yuan Yueze was not in a good mood and quickly asked him to introduce Shan Wanjing. Then, with a respectful expression, he said, "Lord Shen sent someone to deliver grain seeds suitable for the northern climate to me at the beginning of this month. He said that my sisters-in-law collected them near Tianzhu. I am very grateful!" He then bowed respectfully. Shan Wanjing returned the bow
graciously . Yuan Yueze secretly praised Shen Luoyan's skillful and appropriate way of winning people over, and a sense of pride welled up inside him. He put his arm around Tuli's shoulder and laughed loudly, "Brother Tuli, why are you being so polite? Won't you invite me to your tent for a few drinks?" The group of members who led the society thought Yuan Yueze was quite extraordinary, but after hearing his words, their expressions became quite interesting. Tuli was clearly pleased with his coarse language and laughed in return, "I just happened to have hunted a tiger today. It would be perfect to bring it to entertain the three of you." The group then began to walk towards the military camp. Tuli suddenly whispered, "Brother Yuan, I am deeply grateful for your trust in me." Yuan Yueze smiled and said, "Even if Brother Tuli plotted to ambush me, it's no big deal, I understand." Tuli said solemnly, "Although I bear the heavy burden of my people's future, if I were to do such a thing, heaven and earth would not forgive me! If it weren't for Brother Yuan's rescue that day, where would I be today?" Yuan Yueze shook his head and said, "Brother Tuli is not a fool, you should know that I only saved you to restrain Jieli." Tuli laughed heartily, patted his shoulder hard, and said, "Damn it, I am a fool! Ha! It is truly a blessing in life to be friends with such a straightforward person as Brother Yuan!" As they entered the camp area, many soldiers stopped to salute Tuli, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary figure Yuan Yueze. Their expressions towards Yuan Yueze were full of respect and gratitude, knowing that this young master who was famous throughout the world was also highly regarded on the grasslands. Of course, it was also possible that Tuli had promoted him vigorously. Yuan Yueze returned the soldiers' salutes and greetings with a smile. Before Tuli's main tent, more than ten people stood in two rows, welcoming him. Finally, they were ushered into the tent, which was simply furnished yet exuded an air of majesty. A bonfire burned in the center of the tent, where several soldiers were roasting a large, whole tiger. The group sat down, and Tuli introduced everyone. Among the other guests were almost all prominent chieftains under Tuli's command. One of them caught Yuan Yueze's attention: the son of Shi Jianhoujin of the Uyghur Yaoluo tribe, a warrior who always led from the front and was invincible. He was tall, with broad, thick shoulders, a square face covered with a short, bushy beard, and his face was covered in dust and sweat. Beneath his thick eyebrows were a pair of long, beautiful eyes that seemed disproportionate to his high cheekbones and straight nose. His gaze was firm, clear, and calm. He appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, reminiscent of the Vajra warriors protecting the temple. When he met Yuan Yueze's deep gaze, a sincere look of gratitude appeared on his face. After the introductions, Tuli's voice rang out, "Enough with the pleasantries. I, Tuli, hereby swear to the mountains and plains that I am brothers with Brother Yuan for all eternity. I will support Brother Yuan in unifying the land, and wherever my brother is needed, I, Tuli, will go through fire and water without hesitation." Yuan Yueze looked at him in astonishment, then glanced at the crowd who were all raising their glasses, their eyes flickering, and asked, "Brother Tuli, why did you suddenly make this decision?" Tuli, who was raising his glass, made a strange expression and said, "I met with the Belgunatai brothers a few days ago, and after hearing them talk about Brother Yuan's policies towards foreign tribes, I was greatly moved..." Before he could finish, Yuan Yueze clinked glasses with everyone, downing three cups in a row, before laughing, "Brother Tuli is too dishonest!"

Tuli burst into laughter.
Everyone stopped, looking at the two men whose speech and actions were abnormal, and noticed their frankness and unpretentiousness.
After laughing, Tuli sighed, "Brother Yuan might feel disdain after knowing that I have reconciled with Jieli. Actually, this matter is not ordinary. That day, he came to me and bluntly said that if I refused to make peace with him, he would fully support that fool Bai Ziting. I simply do not have the ability to fight a full-scale war on two fronts. If Bai Ziting were to unify the Mohe tribes, I would be attacked from both sides. If I were to fight Bai Ziting to a draw, Jieli would definitely benefit. Although Bi Xuan's mission to the Central Plains made him lose face, it did not have a significant impact on the strength of the army, especially in the civil war. I was forced to cooperate with him at that time, but now that I see Brother Yuan, my dejection has vanished, and I can finally take the initiative!"
As Yuan Yueze was pondering his words, Shan Wanjing interjected, "Isn't the Khan going to unite because of the Eastern and Western Turks?" "Was it a forced collaboration with Jieli to become one?"
Upon hearing this, everyone suppressed their laughter. Tuli chuckled and said, "That's just a rumor from Longquan, merely a tactic used by Bai Ziting to win people's hearts!"
He paused, then sighed, "Since the Turks defeated the Rouran in the north of Huaihuang during the Western Wei period in the Central Plains, and the Rouran Khan Anaxiang committed suicide after his defeat, our ancestor Ashina Tumen established the Turkic Khaganate, dominating the grasslands. Its territory was even vaster than that of the ancient Xiongnu, and its scale was unprecedented. Unfortunately, it later split into two major khanates, East and West. Yang Jian unified the Central Plains and repeatedly invaded, using divisive tactics to incite endless internal wars among the various tribes of our grasslands. The reunification of the East and West khanates seems a distant prospect, and judging from the current situation, it's unlikely to happen within a century."
Yuan Yueze and the two women were bewildered, wondering if they had been deceived by Maji. But how could Tuli not have received any information about such an important matter, given the oath he had made? But his argument also made sense. Establishing a kingdom in Baiziting would naturally face numerous difficulties, most importantly, the other neighboring tribes didn't want to see him grow powerful. Therefore, he could fabricate this rumor that would terrify any tribe on the vast grasslands, diverting attention while simultaneously winning hearts and minds to fight against Jieli.
Xiao Bei asked, "What does the Khan mean by 'taking the initiative'?"
Tuli answered irrelevantly, "How much do you and your sister-in-law know about the latest situation?"
Yuan Yueze recounted the information he received from Shuwen, and only then did Tuli say, "Shuwen was probably ordered to gather intelligence on Longquan. In fact, many major events have occurred. For example, I received news four days ago that Song Jingang first decisively defeated Li Yuanji, forcing him to hastily retreat to Guanzhong. Then Song Jingang marched south, and Li Shimin led his troops across the Yellow River at Longmen to meet Song Jingang. The Tang army clashed several times, but was defeated by Jingang each time. Finally, Li..." Li Shimin adopted a scorched-earth strategy, fortifying his camps and building fortifications to repel the elite cavalry of Song Jingang, recognizing their weakness of insufficient supplies and inability to sustain a protracted war. Song Jingang eventually ran out of food and retreated north. Li Shimin launched a full-scale attack, first defeating Jingang at Lüzhou, then pursuing them relentlessly. His army marched over 200 li in a single day and night, engaging in ten battles, chasing them all the way to Queshu Valley, winning eight battles in total, inflicting a crushing defeat on Jingang, capturing and killing tens of thousands. Jingang retreated to Jiezhou, where they arrayed their troops seven li long to the west of the city. Li Shimin sent Li Shiji to fight them, feigning defeat and retreat. While Jingang pursued, Li Shimin personally led elite troops to outflank them from both sides. Caught in a pincer attack, Jin Gang was no match and collapsed, allowing Li Shimin to recapture Jinyang.
Yuan Yueze said thoughtfully, “If we follow Brother Tuli’s logic, Jieli shouldn’t have lured me to Longquan to ambush and kill me. If I could return to the Central Plains to restrain Li Shimin, a mutually destructive outcome would be the best strategy. Otherwise, if Li Shimin were to sweep through the Central Plains with unstoppable momentum, Jieli would be his next target.”
Tuli replied, “Brother Yuan, you truly underestimate yourself! Jieli considers you his primary enemy. If he were to eliminate you, the morale of the people of the Central Plains would be severely damaged. You must have already witnessed Tuli’s…” The Jurchen cavalry was so powerful that the Central Plains could only win by sheer numbers or by holding onto isolated cities. "Hmph, that bastard Jieli has been suppressing me relentlessly. This time, I'll use a counter-strategy. When he attacks Longquan, I'll join forces with Brother Yuan to launch a pincer attack and wipe him out!"
Yuan Yueze began to understand Tuli's thoughts and attitude. With Bi Xuan's personal attack failing and Song Jingang's failure to capture Li's home base and Jinyang, the bulwark of Guanzhong, Jieli had changed his policy. He first sought peace with Tuli, hoping to use this opportunity to unify the grasslands and deserts, and then wait for the best moment to invade the Central Plains. Talk of racial peace was just wishful thinking in the short term. Hatred wasn't built in a day. Since Qin Shi Huang, whenever the Central Plains was powerful, the policy towards the various tribes of the grasslands was "those who submit prosper, those who resist perish." Yang Guang was the most direct example; the law of the grasslands, the survival of the fittest, applied universally, and only the strong prevailed. The steppe people, of course, wouldn't easily believe Yuan Yueze's almost utopian racial policy. Tuli's change of attitude was partly due to their friendship, but more importantly, it was because, both in the short and long term, his actions would secure more benefits for his people. If they could truly eliminate Jieli through this scheme, Tuli would inevitably rise to power in his place.
(I've been quite busy with work lately, so I can't guarantee daily updates, but I'll definitely update over 120,000 words per month. Please forgive me, brothers.

Chapter 130: Shocking News
. Even if Jieli survives, with the support of the monstrous Yuan Yueze, if Tuli can win a few impressive battles and demonstrate his strength to rival Jieli, he will surely gain the strong support of the various tribes under the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, whose hearts are broken by Jieli's harsh policies and who harbor rebellious intentions. Jieli will then be in a hopeless situation. Of course, if Yuan Yueze's ethnic policies are successfully implemented in the future, Tuli and his people can rely on their connections to surrender early and gain more benefits. In short, by standing on the same side as Yuan Yueze, Tuli will never suffer a loss. This is what he means by "seizing the initiative.") The meaning was clear.
In an instant, Yuan Yueze understood everything and didn't blame Tuli: in this era, strength determined everything. Luoyang, relatively speaking, wasn't as strong as the Li Tang dynasty, so people didn't fully trust him. He couldn't do anything about it; he couldn't win people's trust and support with just his strength and empty words—that was wishful thinking.
Thinking this, Yuan Yueze stared at the flickering campfire in the center, his eyes shining, and said, "It would be best if Jieli came to Longquan in person!"
Everyone's expressions became unnatural. Tuli naturally heard the dissatisfaction in his words and awkwardly cut a piece of fragrant roasted meat from the tiger's back, handing it to him, saying, "I know Brother Yuan's abilities, but the Golden Wolf Army is the most ferocious force on the grasslands. We need to plan carefully."
No matter how capable he was, no one would believe that one person could resist several... The Golden Wolf Army was unclear, and it was even more uncertain what attitude the Longquan Army would take!
Yuan Yueze himself had doubted how many armies he could withstand on his own. He was emotionally agitated, yet his mind was as calm as still water. At this moment, he knew he had finally forgotten the nightmare that might have driven him mad, and could confidently face all the troubles and the Golden Wolf Army that followed.
Ultimately, it was because the realm of the Tang Dynasty was too low. When Chuan Ying reached the Shattered Void realm, he could single-handedly withstand an army of ten thousand, and then easily killed Si Hanfei before leaping into the void. Yuan Yueze had not yet reached that realm, but Zhu Yuyan was already considered half a Great Earth Immortal. If she could arrive, Yuan Yueze was confident that the couple alone could annihilate most of the Golden Wolf Army in Longquan.
Had she encountered some trouble? Why hadn't she...? Arriving?
Yuan Yueze, uninterested, downed his drink in one gulp.
The Bodhisattva then offered a toast, thanking him for killing Shafang. Tuli then spoke of the situation in the Central Plains: Shen Luoyan was actively preparing for war, and the Twin Dragons had achieved a great victory over the Shen family, taking control of the Yuhang area. Their forces were currently positioned north of Liangdu to prevent Dou Jiande, who had just suffered a pyrrhic victory, from launching a surprise attack on Hulao Pass, the most important stronghold east of Luoyang.
Yuan Yueze didn't listen much, silently drinking his wine. Military and political affairs were not his forte; he had complete confidence in Shen Luoyan and the Twin Dragons.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they dispersed. Yuan Yueze rose to take his leave, preparing to rush to Longquan that very night to rescue Ren Jun.
In front of Tuli, Yuan Yueze expressionlessly put Xiao and Shan into his bracelet, then rose and left the main tent.
Tuli followed closely behind. The two walked silently for a distance before Tuli finally said, "Brother Yuan, do you blame me for being so blunt?"
Yuan Yueze revealed only a chilling smile, gazing at the brilliant, tranquil starry sky, and said, "Everyone naturally has their own beliefs and values, and believes that's the most correct one. Khan, there's no need for that. I, Yuan, am truly naive, talking about ethnic equality. If anyone disobeys me in the future, I'll just kill them, and that'll be the end of it!"
Tuli smiled bitterly and said, "Brother Yuan, you're truly dissatisfied with me! You may not know that the regimes in the Central Plains and the Turkic Khaganate are different. In the Central Plains, only the monarch can lead and make decisions, but in the Turkic Khaganate, the leader is elected by the chieftains of each tribe, the army is composed of various tribes, and the tribal chieftains all have authority. As for the Great Khan of Jieli, he rules the vast khanate through lesser Khans like myself. I truly hope..." "I hope the policy you proposed can be implemented. I believe no one on the grasslands understands your character and strength better than I do. Those who oppose you have only one fate: death. The only difference is when. Therefore, I am grateful for your sincere treatment and will reciprocate with the same sincerity. If you don't trust me, Brother Yuan, you can kill me now. Or, I will await your unification of the Central Plains. When you arrive on the grasslands, I will personally offer my head, and all my tribesmen and soldiers will be under your command as a sign of my sincerity. If I break this oath, may I die a horrible death!"
Yuan Yueze realized that he was also acting against his will. He turned around like a whirlwind, grabbed his shoulder, and said, "Then why did you look so greedy and greedy during the banquet?"
Tuli said helplessly, "Just as I said before, I will take any action..." Before taking any action, I must consult with the chieftains and listen to their opinions. I believe in you, but they don't, so I came up with this compromise. The banquet is just a show for them, to let them know that I put the interests of my people above all else. As long as they see Brother Yuan's abilities with their own eyes, who will dare to underestimate you? Brother Yuan, rest assured, I will send my entire army this time, and I will certainly not disappoint you!"
Yuan Yueze sighed and smiled, "The grasslands are a place full of courageous men and heroes. It's easy to make mortal enemies, but also easy to make friends who are instantly loyal and devoted. You, Tuli, are my only grassland friend besides Brother Ba. It seems I haven't misjudged you after all. I've never made a promise before, but today I promise you that in the future, the people of the grasslands will..." "You, Tuli, are the leader of the autonomous region!"
Tuli's body trembled, a look of gratitude flashing in his eyes. He chewed on the new phrase "ethnic autonomous region" several times, and said, "I am content to die for your words, Brother Yuan!"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "Why do you so believe that I can conquer the Central Plains?"
Tuli chuckled, "Luoyang and the young marshal's army have countless capable men. Although our military strength is slightly insufficient, the Song clan of Lingnan is holding back Sichuan and Chongqing, causing the Li Tang's battle lines to be too long, and they dare not send troops rashly. In terms of overall strength, the Li Tang is truly inferior to you. Ha! Just by looking at your expression, I know that the Song clan must be secretly supporting you!"
Yuan Yueze's worries vanished, and he told Tuli about his plan from back then without reservation. Tuli was speechless. How could he have imagined that Yuan Yueze's plan was so meticulous and his vision so far-reaching! No wonder he was not worried about any changes in the situation in the Central Plains! No wonder he was not surprised at all by Li Shimin's great victory at Baibi!
At the same time, he was even more excited by Yuan Yueze's trust.
Yuan Yueze then inquired about his plan to attack Jieli from both sides, mentioning that he had been in a bad mood and hadn't listened to much of what Tuli was saying
. Tuli was both amused and exasperated, but remarked that having such a straightforward, honest, and sincere person as Yuan Yueze was truly a great fortune in life. The two sat down on the ground, and Tuli explained the plan again. Yuan Yueze listened attentively, offering suggestions from time to time, and the plan was finalized just before dawn.
Tuli stretched, looked at the horizon turning a pale white, and said, "With Brother Yuan's stamina, you should be able to reach Longquan before sunset. I hope Brother Ren will be alright. I'd also like to get to know this benefactor of the grassland people."
Yuan Yueze's pupils contracted sharply, then relaxed, and he rose to take his leave.
Longquan Shangjing was the largest city in the northeastern part of the grasslands. It bordered Meituo Lake to the south, was surrounded by the Changbai Mountains, and was surrounded by water on three sides. Built on a vast alluvial plain, the fertile land was primarily agricultural, with animal husbandry as a secondary industry. Its Xiangshui rice was renowned throughout the grasslands and considered the finest rice. Another unique feature was that the city's water source was entirely hot spring water, resulting in numerous stone-lined canals. The water was clear and plentiful, providing a pleasant and comfortable environment for washing, irrigation, and playing.
Longquan was only a quarter the size of Chang'an, and it was divided into three parts: an outer city, an inner city, and a palace city. It had ten gates on all four sides: three on the north and south sides, and two on the east and west sides. The central avenue, also called Zhuque Avenue, divided the city into left and right halves and led directly to the south gates of both the inner and outer cities.
In addition, four main streets crisscrossed the city, along with other secondary roads, dividing the city's residential areas into large and small neighborhoods, much like Chang'an. The inner city, located in the center of the north, had a circumference of nine li (approximately 4.5 kilometers), and the palace city was located within the innermost part of the city. To the east of the city lies the Forbidden Garden, featuring ponds, small bridges, artificial hills, and pavilions—a place of exceptional beauty.
While Longquan's defenses are far less extensive than those of Chang'an, the walls, still five zhang high, are constructed of basalt, making them extremely sturdy. Combined with magnificent arrow towers, they are well-defended against various ethnic groups, primarily composed of cavalry. The palace complex comprises five layers of halls, the main palace also known as Taiji, with connecting corridors between the various halls, serving as the seat of the Baiziting (Purple Pavilion) for official business.
Outside the south gate stands a stone lighthouse, constructed of twelve sections of carved basalt, simple yet imposing. Every evening, a special person lights the torch atop the tower, its light illuminating the height of a zhang, becoming a symbol and landmark of Longquan.
The common people of Longquan, in their clothing, customs, writing, culture, and systems, are virtually identical to those of Chang'an; being there feels almost like returning to Chang'an in the Central Plains.
At dusk, Yuan Yueze, having exhausted ninety percent of his strength after a long run, finally arrived in Longquan and swaggered in to pay his taxes and enter the city.
Ignoring the hateful glares from the guards who recognized him instantly, he turned into Zhuque Avenue. He saw throngs of pedestrians and carriages vying for space, a bustling and chaotic scene, almost impossible to move an inch. People of different races spoke different languages, creating a vibrant and harmonious atmosphere. They seemed completely unconcerned about the approaching Golden Wolf Army.
Because the founding ceremony was in two days, a momentous occasion concerning the fate of the Mohe people and indeed the entire grassland, envoys from all sides came to offer their congratulations. Supporters of Bai Ziting from the Mohe tribe were also arriving in droves, making Zhuque Avenue a scene of unprecedented grandeur, almost as bustling as Luoyang. Perhaps due to news of Jieli's impending attack, the city's defenses had been greatly strengthened. The city gates and walls were heavily guarded, and squads of armored Bohai soldiers patrolled the area to prevent any disturbance. They showed no fear of the invincible Golden Wolf Army sweeping across the grasslands; instead, their morale was high and their spirits soared. Even Yuan Yueze secretly praised Bai Ziting's skillful leadership.
After asking for directions, Yuan Yueze headed towards the outer guesthouse near the inner city on Zhuque Street.
He figured the Cheshi Kingdom delegation, led by Yue Kepeng, should have already arrived in Longquan and would likely have a better understanding of the city's situation. Therefore, he first planned to gather information about the latest developments within the city.
The outer guesthouse felt lifeless, as if no one lived there. Yuan Yueze jumped down from the eaves and asked someone for clarification. It turned out that Bai Ziting, to entertain his distinguished guests, had already invited them all to stay at the palace, and everyone was praising the "Dragon King's" hospitality.
Yuan Yueze immediately sensed something was amiss.
"Who!"
He had only taken a few steps towards the palace when he stopped abruptly, shouting without turning around.
A hidden, extremely weak internal energy emanating from him caught his attention.
"Young master, it's me!"
Yuan Yueze felt the speaker of the Turkic words sounded familiar. Turning around, he saw Qiqige, dressed in tattered clothes, her face deathly pale, her eyes sunken, and who had become much thinner. His
unease rose again. He
quickly walked over and whispered in Turkic, "Why are you here, young lady?"
Qiqige burst into tears, unable to answer him.
Yuan Yueze's heart pounded faster and faster. He grabbed her and asked urgently, "Where do you live?"
At the same time, he flicked a stone with two fingers and threw it behind his head. A scream came from behind the wall.
Qiqige stared blankly at the wall pierced by the small stone, nodded, and ran forward along the alley.
Along the way, Yuan Yueze killed three more men who were following him.
Two miles west of the city, in a dilapidated temple built against a wall and long abandoned, the two stopped.
The scene before them shocked Yuan Yueze.
Ba Feng Han was breathing on Erdemutu, who lay in the corner of the room with his eyes closed, using his palm print to breathe into his chest. Judging from Ba Feng Han's expression, he had been doing so for a long time, otherwise he wouldn't be struggling so much. Erdemutu was dressed in rags, his condition unknown. Even more surprising to Yuan Yueze was that Shi Feixuan was lying on a straw mat in another corner, her beautiful eyes closed, her fate also uncertain.
Yuan Yueze, filled with questions, quickly went over and placed his hand on Ba Feng Han's shoulder, asking, "Brother Ba, when did you arrive here? What happened?"
Ba Feng Han smiled bitterly and said, "Let's first have my sisters-in-law save Brother Tu and Miss Shi! I'm not strong enough." He
then entered the bracelet again and instructed Yang Yan and Chunyu Wei, who had only recently cultivated their bodies, to release their extraordinary power. After reviving the two, the two women went to rest, and Yuan Yueze and the others began to talk.
Erdemutu opened his eyes and immediately embraced Qige, bursting into tears. Shi Feixuan looked at Yuan Yueze with a bewildered expression.
After the siblings gradually calmed down, Yuan Yueze asked what had happened. Erdemutu's eyes reddened again as he said, "More than ten days after Brother Yuan and his group left, a group of Turkic experts came to the village and killed everyone. To protect my younger sister and me, my father, elder brother, and second elder brother all died..."
At this point, the two broke down in tears again.
Yuan Yueze frowned and said, "Don't the Turks never attack your tribe? How could they..."
Qiqige said hatefully, "It was that Khitan dog Sude who led them here!"
Erdemutu suddenly stopped her loudly.
Yuan Yueze immediately understood.
Guilt gnawed at his heart like a venomous snake.
Judging from the siblings' behavior, he knew that he, Yuan Yueze, was the one who had harmed that peaceful little village.
Erdemutu had said before that Sude was not one of their people. Yuan Yueze's whereabouts were not hidden at the time. He only stayed one night, and someone went missing from Sude's house. Moreover, they were both Han Chinese. How could he not be suspicious? Besides, that person often traveled outside and his way of communicating with people was naturally sophisticated. He could even find out the general background of Yuan Yueze and his companions. It was not surprising that he went to the Turks to inform them in anger. Jieli's actions were nothing more than an attempt to strike and intimidate Yuan Yueze. Judging from Erdemutu's behavior, they must have guessed the truth of the matter, but they still couldn't bear to say it directly, which made Yuan Yueze feel even more distressed.
Erdemutu calmed down and said, "Brother Yuan, there's no need to feel guilty. It was my elder brother who invited you. The fault doesn't lie with you. Sude, that despicable and greedy man, betrayed Jieli and is the culprit."
Images of the Chaolu family flashed through his mind: the simple and honest Chaolu, the warm-hearted Burigude, the innocent Bayin, and now Erdemutu, who didn't blame him at all. Yuan Yueze's eyes blazed with anger, and he slammed his head down, smashing a large hole in the steel tea table with a loud "bang." He cried out in grief, "Uncle Chaolu, Brother De, I've ruined you!"
Ba Fenghan said sternly, "We must avenge this blood debt from Jieli."
He then added, "I only arrived two hours earlier than Brother Yuan. I only came to treat Brother Tu after Miss Ge discovered me."
The Qiqige siblings knew that Yuan Yueze and the others were going to Longquan and probably wouldn't be able to enter the city, so they were staying outside temporarily. Qiqige would sneak into the city every day to look for Yuan Yueze and the others. Now, they were the only ones the siblings could rely on.
These things were easy to guess with a little thought.
Yuan Yueze raised his head and calmly said to Qige and Erdemutu, "I harmed your family, so it is only right that I avenge them. After Jieli's death, my life is at your disposal."
The brother and sister simply shook their heads, which only added to Yuan Yueze's guilt. Ba Feng Han, who had seen many life-and-death situations, began to comfort the three of them. Yuan Yueze said in a deep voice, "I am a few years older than you. If you don't mind, you will be my own brothers and sisters from now on."
The brother and sister knelt down and kowtowed at the same time.
As the sadness subsided, Yuan Yueze asked again, "Do you know about Xiao Jun's matter?"
Shi Feixuan sat quietly to the side, like a beautiful jade Bodhisattva. From beginning to end, Yuan Yueze did not look at her once or ask her a single question. This made her, who was usually calm, feel a strange sense of being neglected for the first time.
Qiqige answered irrelevantly, "When we escaped, the Turks wouldn't let us go and sent men to kill us. That man was highly skilled; my third brother was struck by his palm while saving me. If you had arrived a day later, he might have been dead."
She paused, then pointed to Shi Feixuan and continued, "Fortunately, we met this young lady on the road who saved us. The man said something in Chinese that I couldn't understand, and they started fighting. This young lady injured him, and after we walked for another half day, she fainted and hasn't recovered since."
Yuan Yueze turned to thank Shi Feixuan and continued asking about Qiqige and Ren Jun.
Shi Feixuan frowned. She wasn't someone who cared about trivial matters like etiquette, but she was increasingly annoyed by Yuan Yueze's attitude. This annoyance was inexplicable; she herself couldn't understand why she felt this way. Having just experienced the extraordinary power flowing through her body, she knew clearly that her cultivation level had instantly risen to a higher level. She never dared to dream of such a thing, yet it had truly happened. With her sword heart now clear and at a new peak, how could she possibly lose control of her state of mind? But what exactly was this strange feeling?
Shi Feixuan was completely baffled.
Qiqige looked worried and said, "We've only been here for a day and a half when Ren Jun arrived. He heard that people from Cheshi Kingdom had been invited into the palace, sensed something was wrong, and went out to investigate. He never came back. When I later sneaked into the city, I heard that he fought with that evil monk, the national teacher, and was defeated and captured."
Ba Feng Han pondered, "Unless Brother Peng and the others really did something, Xiao Jun would never be so reckless!"
Yuan Yueze had never been so passive before. He was furious but burst into laughter, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. He said fiercely, "Good! Good! Good! You dare to mess with me? If I don't skin you alive, how can I repay your 'kindness'!"
Ba Feng Han's eyes flashed with lightning . Then, looking at Shi Feixuan, he asked, "With Miss Shi's cultivation level, who could possibly harm you? And what did he say to you?"
Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes dimmed, and she said faintly, "That person told me, 'It's better to be lucky than lucky.' His martial arts are very strange, his true energy is much deeper than mine, and he has been practicing martial arts for at least sixty years. I was invaded by his evil energy, and after forcibly repelling him with my strongest 'Sword Soaring Across the Universe,' I entered the Turtle Breathing Realm using my sect's unique method, preparing to slowly expel that evil energy..."
As she spoke, her expression became strange, and her large, expressive eyes seemed to be asking Yuan Yueze why Chunyu Wei could so easily awaken the Turtle Breathing Secret Technique that only her master could unlock.
Yuan Yueze knew she must have remembered what he had said to her that day. Hearing the latter part, a thought struck him. Ignoring her gaze, he asked, "What does he look like? What weapon does he use?"
Shi Feixuan gave him a charmingly human expression, her beautiful, expressive eyes fixed on his handsome face, as if to say, "Didn't you say you didn't care about me?"
Yuan Yueze, who had always looked down on this seemingly lifeless beauty, blushed under her gaze. Shi Feixuan softly uttered, "The man's head and face were covered. Judging from the skin around his eyes, his complexion was much yellower than normal..."
Actually, Erdemutu and his sister hadn't noticed these small details; they were simply staring blankly at him.
Yuan Yueze immediately interjected, "Was he using a long spear?"
Shi Feixuan looked at him in surprise, then sighed softly, "It was a black long spear, but Feixuan felt that his weapon was unsuitable for him, preventing him from using his true abilities. Otherwise, I might really have died at his hands."
Yuan Yueze was almost certain that this person was Xi Feng. His previous guesses were becoming clearer, and now he understood why Tuli didn't believe that the Eastern and Western Turks could unite, or that a temporary cooperation would happen. Even if the Eastern and Western Turks cooperated, Tuli would still be a thorn in Jieli's side. Tuli would never submit to Jieli, and further speculation suggested that Jieli's invasion of Longquan wasn't just about dealing with Bai Ziting and Yuan Yueze; he might also be targeting Tuli. If the Golden Wolf Army were to mobilize in full force, annihilating Tuli in Longquan wasn't out of the question. If this three-birds-with-one-stone plan were true, Jieli would be truly ruthless.
"Gurgle..."
Shi Feixuan and Qiqige's stomachs growled simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.
Shi Feixuan had never been so embarrassed in her life, so ashamed she almost buried her head between her shapely breasts. On the contrary, Qiqige, who grew up on the grasslands, showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Rubbing her stomach, she said to Yuan Yueze, "Why aren't the sisters-in-law making anything to eat?"
Just as Yuan Yueze and Ba Feng Han were about to laugh and cry, Song Yuhua's footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by her carrying a wooden tray. She smiled and said, "Just made it, don't burn yourself."
Song Yuhua served the three starving men their meal, and Yuan Yueze and Ba Feng Han arrived at the gates of Longquan City.
They recounted their experiences along the way, and now they were at the foot of Longquan City. The city gates were tightly closed, and soldiers patrolled the walls constantly.
Ba Feng Han said, "To prevent an attack from Jieli, Longquan has probably already imposed a curfew."
They exchanged a smile, and the two used their lightness skills to slip past the guards like ghosts, landing inside the city. The once bustling and prosperous Zhuque Street was now deserted, without a single light in sight. The atmosphere was eerily silent, sending chills down their spines.
Crouching on the eaves of the nearest building to the palace, the two men intently observed the brightly lit palace. After a long while, Yuan Yueze sighed, "Tonight, we'll probably only be able to familiarize ourselves with the palace's layout."
Ba Feng Han nodded in agreement.
The palace's defenses were exaggerated, even more stringent than a guard every three steps or a sentry every five. Even with Yuan Yueze's skills, he wouldn't dare boast of being able to come and go freely without being detected. More importantly, they both realized this was a trick by Bai Ziting or Fu Nantuo to deal with Yuan Yueze. Furthermore, Ba Feng Han's relationship with Yuan Yueze was well-known; both were renowned masters with illustrious, even freakish, battle records. Anyone wanting to kill them, even if they weren't at their best, would have to exploit the environment and location to create a trap. Therefore, Ren Jun's death was unlikely; he was probably imprisoned, and certainly not in the easily accessible Longquan Prison.
After much deliberation, the two finally gave up and decided to act again the next day.
Finding a secluded corner in the city, the two slipped into the bracelet.
Erdemutu and his sister, having suffered for many days, had fallen asleep. Yuan Yueze, for some reason, found himself in Shi Feixuan's room.
Still dressed as a man, Shi Feixuan sat upright before a small table, her beautiful eyes fixed on the luminous pearl on it. The bright light made her appear like a flawless statue, highlighting her beautiful, mountain-like features and her jade-white complexion, brimming with youthful vitality and energy.
Yuan Yueze approached her, but Shi Feixuan seemed completely unaware of his arrival, continuing to stare at the shimmering pearl.
After a long silence, Shi Feixuan spoke first: "Why has Young Master come here?"
Her gaze remained unmoved, but her tone carried a hint of coquettishness, and even more so, an element that Yuan Yueze couldn't decipher.

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