Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 201 Who knew tonight's guest would once again paint the mountain peaks?

As winter approached, the fields of Nanyang were shrouded in a misty haze.

The morning mist, like a light veil, slowly rose from the banks of the Han River, gradually spreading over the city and silently sinking into the surrounding fields.

A large group of people is coming from the direction of Huai'an County to the border with Nanyang.

The leader was a woman who looked to be about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, holding a riding whip in her hand, and exuding a heroic air.

It was Lou Ruodan, the leader of the Dangyang caravan.

She was gazing towards the eastern capital when she was drawn to the sound of voices beside her.

Deputy gang leader Chen Ruiyang stroked his beard and chatted with a young boy and girl.

On the surface, the two appeared to be around fifteen years old, exuding an air of scholarly refinement.

Upon closer inspection, it also seems to possess a remarkable spiritual quality.

Knowing their identities, Lou Ruodan wasn't surprised, but what they were talking about was quite intriguing.

Chen Ruiyang was good at chatting with people. After they met by chance in Huai'an County, they became familiar with each other and chatted and laughed all the way.

"I heard from Lu Zushang of Yiyang that many masters of the Daoist sect may be gathering. This is quite rare. I wonder when?"

Xia Shu asked, "Does Chief Chen also wish to participate in the discussion?"

“Hey, I don’t know anything about Taoist magic,” Chen Ruiyang waved his hands repeatedly. “It’s just that Taoist masters are scattered in various sacred mountains and blessed lands, and rarely gather together. Only the Celestial Master has this appeal, much stronger than Ning Sanren.”

Xia Shu and Yan Qiu covered their mouths and laughed, while Lou Ruodan rolled her eyes.

You're being presumptuous, speaking such blunt truths.

Ning Sanren's name has been renowned for many years, but Old Chen has indeed become too arrogant.

Xia Shu replied with a smile: "Ning Sanren is a senior master. My senior brother didn't compete with him in any way. It's just that my senior brother is well-liked and his friends in the Daoist sect gave him face."

Lou Ruodan looked at the little girl with even more admiration.

Don't let his young age fool you; he speaks much better than Old Chen.

Remembering that Chen Ruiyang had spent some time sweeping horse manure at the ranch, she felt that the old man couldn't control his tongue and would suffer for it.

Yan Qiu responded to Chen Ruiyang's previous question:
"The specific time for the Taoist gathering has not yet been determined. Everyone is calling on friends and relatives, so it may take quite some time."

Chen Ruiyang gave an "oh" and subtly sized up the two people in front of him, not daring to treat them as ordinary teenagers.

Now that they felt they had gotten to know each other well, and with the connection to Pegasus Ranch, they started asking around:
"Did you two return from Master Songyinzi's place in Yiyang because of this matter?"

"No."

Their expressions were somewhat complicated:
“We heard some news about our master from the Tongbai Ferry, but it was vague, so we went to the ferry to find out more.”

It turned out to be the case.

Lou Ruodan and Chen Ruiyang had both heard some rumors.

The old Celestial Master went on a journey and has not returned.

Jiao Wuzi's name was not very well-known originally, and it was only known in the Yongqiu area. However, with the rise of Zhou Tianshi, he became one of the strongest people in the world.

As the master's mentor, he has long been in the hearts of many.

The current Celestial Master is so powerful that people already have extremely high expectations for the old Celestial Master. In addition, he is elusive and rarely seen, which has led to many mysterious and esoteric sayings circulating about him.

Lou Ruodan had remained silent until now, then, thinking of her own farm owner, she couldn't help but ask:

"The situation in the south has changed. I wonder when the Celestial Master will return from the Eastern Capital?"

Yan Qiu said meticulously, “Last time we received a letter saying that within half a month, according to Senior Brother’s style of doing things, he would return to Nanyang within a few days.”

Xia Shu smiled and looked at Lou Ruodan:
"This time when you go to Jiangnan, you will avoid the Huai River."

"Why?"

He said he would go down the Han River, pass through Nanjun and enter the Yangtze River, and then flow eastward with the Yangtze River until he reached Jiankang.

Lou Ruodan's eyes lit up: "Xiao Xian and Lin Shihong's army is currently lingering south of the Yangtze River. It would be safer to go down the Huai River and cross the Han Canal."

Xia Shu said softly, "There's nothing we can do about it. Senior Brother has something on his mind. Last time in Nanyang, he was even murmuring something to the lower reaches of the Han River."

Lou Ruodan and Chen Ruiyang pricked up their ears.

Xia Shu recited in the manner of her senior brother:
White clouds drift eastward across Jingzhou and Xiangyang, while the southern region is shrouded in mist and water. How swift is the departing boat compared to the flowing water? The letter from you carries the weight of my sorrow, as deep as a traveler's. Who knew that tonight, my guest would once again paint the peaks of this mountain city?

Those who are unaware of the inside story will only think that the story is about an ordinary person from out of town who, upon crossing the Han River from Xiangcheng to Nanjun, felt a sense of homesickness.

However, Lou Ruodan and Chen Ruiyang were aware of those correspondence.

Especially during this period of frequent battles in Dongdu, many letters were sent to Pegasus Ranch.

This earned Lou Ruodan's admiration, even though she usually has some complaints.

Chen Ruiyang, displaying his gossipy nature, kept asking around.

They chatted all the way until they reached Nanyang before parting ways.

Yan Qiu and Xia Shu returned to the courtyard. When they pushed open the gate, the scene inside made them unconsciously rub their eyes.

There's one more person in the courtyard!

Aruina was still organizing the Taoist scriptures when the man in white stood to the side, looking through the paintings she had made during her free time.

When Yina first mastered painting skills, she painted mostly the scenery of the northern desert from her memory.

Rivers, oases, and places where the wind blows the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep.

At this time, flowers, birds, landscapes, and figures will all appear in her paintings.

It's clear that he has developed more interests and is no longer someone who only reminisces about the past.

"Senior brother~!"

The two were both surprised and delighted. Zhou Yi smiled at them, while Yina glanced at them sideways before continuing with her own business.

"Senior brother, when did you return?"

"A few hours ago."

Before they could ask any further questions, Zhou Yi interjected, "Have you found out any news about Master?"

Yan Qiu said, "It seems to have appeared in the Yongqiu area, but I'm not entirely sure."

Xia Shu shook her head, a hint of disappointment in her eyes: "Based on the description given by the man at the dock, I'm almost certain it wasn't him."

Zhou Yi paused for a moment:

“Many people in Yongqiu know our master. If he had appeared there, we would have known long ago.”

The three of them had lived in Yongqiu for a long time and were very familiar with the area.

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Yi suddenly suggested, "Send someone to go and take a look over at Fuzi Mountain."

"Yang Dalong has already sent someone there, and he plans to make the trip himself in a few days."

"Alright." Zhou Yi nodded slightly.

Whenever I think of my master, a lingering doubt always remains in my heart.

I have so much to say and want to ask him, but I haven't been able to see him. I wonder what he's thinking.

"Senior brother, you probably won't be staying for more than a few days this time, right?"

"Yes, I'll be leaving soon."

Zhou Yi didn't need to explain; they all understood that the war in the south had begun, and he naturally couldn't delay.

Seeing that it was getting late, I decided to stop chatting for now.

Zhou Yi led the three of them to Yang Zhen's residence.

That night, a large number of people gathered at the Dalongtou Mansion.

Fan Naitang, Su Yun, and others were present, along with the leaders of the Gray Clothes Gang and the Chaoshui Gang.

The members of the Nanyang Gang, having spent a long time with Zhou Yi, were relatively relaxed, while the remaining gang leaders appeared more reserved.

Zhou Yi has changed so much in just a few years.

As a result, the eight major powers of Nanyang back then seem like extremely distant memories.

After the meal, they observed each other's expressions and took their leave early.

As Qiu Wenzhong was about to leave, he tried to kneel down, but Zhou Yi stopped him.

Has your dad come back yet?

"came back."

Qiu Wenzhong slowly raised his eyes: "Father said that you sent him back."

Zhou Yi hummed in agreement:
“After the last matter in Dongdu was over, he came to say goodbye. I remembered that you always looked forward to seeing him, so I suggested that he return to Nanyang.”

Qiu Wenzhong said respectfully:

“Although my father only stayed for a few days after his return, my mother was relieved. Before he left, he said he would come back again after a while. I know his character, and it is already quite remarkable that he could do this. If you hadn’t spoken up, he would have definitely passed by his home without going in.”

After expressing his gratitude, Qiu Wenzhong took his leave.

Seeing that his worry had completely disappeared, Zhou Yi realized that he had put this matter to rest.

Chief Qiu is obsessed with martial arts to the point of demonic possession.

Zhou Yi admired his dedication to martial arts, but his attitude towards his family was something that no one could agree with.

Yang Dalong arrived at the gang's gate and told Zhou Yi about the situation in Xiyang County, Yuyang County, Hongnong, Shangluo and other places.

Besides Champion City, the surrounding counties have all surrendered.

However, an unexpected piece of news also came from Champion City: Zhou Yi.

"That cannibalistic demon king Zhu Can is already dead."

"Oh?"

This was the first time Zhou Yi had ever heard of it.

Yang Dalong continued, "I heard this news yesterday and asked someone to confirm it. The news came back just now, and it is indeed true. The reason is unexpected."

When Zhu Can was mentioned, a mocking expression appeared on his face.

“Champion City has always been at peace with us and has been conducting normal business transactions. I thought this ogre had changed his nature, but little did I know, it was just that he was too ambitious.”

"The methods used by the Coffin Palace to cultivate true demons gave him the illusion that he had a chance to control an army of true demons and use it to dominate the world. This time, upon hearing the news from the Eastern Capital, he worried that you would come to kill him. Feeling threatened, he urged the Coffin Palace to take action."

"Who knew that they would offend the old devils and have their heads chopped off."

"His venomous daughter, Zhu Mei, also went to the Yellow Springs with him, and now Champion City is completely under the control of the Coffin Palace."

It's not surprising that Zhu Can, that brainless person, would die.

just
"Where did this confidential information come from? Has Brother Yang's people infiltrated the coffin palace?"

Yang Zhen laughed and said, "I don't have that ability."

“My men rescued a man on the turbulent waters; he had escaped from Zhu Can’s Garuda Palace. His name is Bai Wenyuan, and he comes from the Pure Sword Sect.”

"Zhu Mei had many lovers, and Bai Wenyuan became her male lover without even realizing it, because he had some skills and knew a lot of things that were unknown to the outside world."

Yang Zhen then said:

“I kept this person. I heard that his ancestors were all geomancers who studied feng shui and the five elements. From a young age, he followed his father to observe the mountains and rivers in Sichuan and Chongqing and drew maps to record them. He has a map-drawing ability that is difficult for ordinary people to match.”

"Once the Celestial Master has established order in the world, he can be asked to survey and draw maps, which would be a good way to make the best use of his talents."

Zhou Yi smiled upon hearing this, remembering that there was such a person.

"There's no need to worry too much about Champion City. Those people in the Coffin Palace aren't focused on conquering the world. I'll send them a letter, and they probably won't cause any trouble."

Yang Zhen exclaimed "Great!"
He gazed at Champion City, stroking his long beard with deep emotion.

"I remember a few years ago, Champion City was a thorn in my side. I hesitated and dared not speak of war lightly, and was forced to meet Zhu Can's various unreasonable demands. I never expected that this thorn in my side would be gone so easily."

Zhou Yi also sighed softly: "Brother Yang, during those years when you had your heartache, I was just as troubled."

"Back then, I wasn't very skilled, so I relied on others for support and was constantly worried about potential crises. I could come up with a whole string of unscrupulous strategies."

Seeing that Zhou Yi really wanted to speak, Yang Dalong laughed and interrupted him, as he truly didn't want to listen.

"Master is too modest. No one else could do what you did."

Then he recalled the events of dealing with the Demonic Sect and the Great Ming Sect.

In high spirits, they invited Zhou Yi for a drink. Upon receiving his response, Fan Naitang and the others joined in.

The previous banquet was a grand one; this is a smaller one.

There were fewer people, but everyone knew each other well, and the lively conversation made the atmosphere even more bustling.

They didn't return to their lodgings until late at night.

The next day, Zhou Yi took his three cousins ​​out of the west of the city and headed straight for Wuzhuang Temple.

He hadn't visited for a long time, but someone had been cleaning the place all along; the stone carvings on the tea table remained dust-free, and everything was as it had always been.

After wandering around for a while, I lit an incense stick for the statue of Huang Lao Er, and then headed towards Baihe.

On the rocky beach, an old man wearing a straw hat cast his bait and calmly began fishing.

The old man only noticed them when they got closer.

When Xie Jiyou saw Zhou Yi, he showed the smile that only appears when seeing an old friend: "Master, look."

He pointed to a pole beside him.

It's as if it's saying, "I still have your fishing rod with me."

Zhou Yi smiled broadly and strode forward.

Yan Qiu wasn't very confident: "Senior brother, your chances of winning aren't high."

Xia Shu kindly reminded him, "Old Xie has been on a winning streak lately, acquiring many large items. It's clearly the River God's favor. Perhaps we should avoid his advances for now."

Zhou Yi gave them a disgruntled look.

Aryuina laughed as she watched him stubbornly hold the cue.

White waters condense into mist, frost-covered forests shed their golden leaves. Zhou Yi raises his long pole, its shadow falling on the Han River.

He didn't cheat by listening to the direction the fish were swimming underwater; he simply competed with the old man using his ordinary fishing skills.

A short while later, Xie Jiyou lowered his long pole, and silver scales leaped in the water.

Zhou Yi ignored the smile on the old man's face and focused only on the buoy.

However, it seemed that the river god was taking better care of Xie Jiyou, an old friend, as several chopstick-length yellow tails rose up from the pole, which was quite pleasing.

Zhou Yi changed the bait and even spat some saliva on it.

Unfortunately, all I got in return was a white streak.

During the two hours that the fishermen were fishing, Yan Qiu and Xia Shu couldn't bear to watch any longer and helped them by baiting the fishing spot.

He managed to catch a few decent fish, but still lost to the old man.

Yan Qiuxia Shu revealed an expression that said, "I knew it."

Xie Jiyou smiled and gave the fish to him, which Zhou Yi accepted.

"Mr. Xie, would you be interested in visiting Lingnan?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Jiyou suddenly realized: "So the Celestial Master came to find me specifically because of this matter."

"Not entirely. Actually, I also enjoy fishing here, but I've been too busy lately to have the time."

Zhou Yi smiled and said, "The ancestor of the Lingnan Song Clan was Song Beifeng, who, like your ancestor, came from the Xie Clan of Chenjun. Would you like to meet the head of the Song Clan?"

"No, no."

Xie Jiyou waved his hand in refusal:
"It wouldn't mean much for an old man like me to meet them again. Besides, it's all old news. The younger generation has lost contact, and we wouldn't have anything to say if we met. It's enough that the Celestial Master goes to Lingnan and lets Chief Song know that there is a branch of our family."

Zhanlu was a gift from Elder Xie, reflecting the friendship between his family and Song Que, which I must inform him of.

However, hearing the old man's firm tone, Zhou Yi nodded slightly and did not try to persuade him further.

He changed the subject and started talking to him about his recent situation.

Another hour passed before Zhou Yi left the Baihe River.

Old Xie didn't want to waste his time, and he was also very addicted to fishing, so he declined Zhou Yi's invitation to dinner and remained sitting on the big rock, slowly waiting for the sunset.

To Xie Jiyou's surprise,

As night fell, Zhou Yi returned once more.

They carried food boxes, ate their meals by the Baihe River, and had a small drink.

The river god seemed to have overheard their conversation.

Just before it got completely dark, several koi carp leaped out of the water, bringing joy to the eyes.

As Zhou Yi left with the food box, Xie Jiyou watched his retreating figure and smiled silently. The divine sword truly did recognize its master.

That night, Zhou Yi returned to the courtyard and took out the He Shi Bi jade.

He used a secret method to help Aruina and her junior brothers and sisters refine their primordial spirit.

Two hours later, he stopped practicing.

The illusions created by the cosmic energy within the He Shi Bi jade allow people to feel the vastness of the endless deep space and the brilliance of the boundless stars. For their level of skill, it would probably take them a very long time to digest them.

While exploring the He Shi Bi jade, Zhou Yi began to try to control these stellar illusions.

This inspiration came from Vonganda.

Although the Indian monk's illusions of Brahma were not particularly powerful, his ideas were unique.

The three were immersed in cultivating their primordial spirits when Zhou Yi took out the sword box and took out the Zhanlu sword, which was covered with ancient patterns.

He slowly pulled it out a foot, and the moment he poured in his true energy, the sword light suddenly shone brightly!

Zhou Yi did not admire it, and put his sword back in its sheath.

After a quiet night, early the next morning, Zhou Yi handed the letter he had written the night before to his cousin, who would then pass it on to Yang Zhen when it was fully light.

This letter was naturally for Zhou Laotan and the others. Without calling Yan Qiuxia Shu, Yina saw him off at the bow of the turbulent boat, and only returned to the city when the boat was shrouded in the morning mist and could no longer be seen.

……

On the walls of Xiangyang, the experts of the Han River School ignored the commotion at the city gate and kept looking upstream without stopping.

This is an order from Ji Yinong, the head of Xiangyang.

Ji Dalongtou's time operating in Xiangyang was far less than that of Qian Duguan.

Initially, he was able to maintain his position as the top leader entirely thanks to the support of the experts behind him.

These were naturally Elder Yun, Elder Xia, and others from the Yin Gui Sect.

Although these elders of the demonic sects may not be considered top-tier figures in the martial arts world, they still pose a significant threat to smaller gangs and factions, and should not be easily provoked.

With these powerful backers, Ji Yinong became the first to surrender to the Hanshui faction, whose leader had just died and who also had the background of the Yin Gui faction.

They were the largest faction in the area, and other smaller factions followed suit.

Unexpectedly...
This big boss, Ji, was quite shrewd; he completely changed the rule that money was kept under control.

Old Qian is relatively easy to talk to. He knows he's just a puppet in front of the Yin Gui Sect and has no real ambitions. As long as you don't interfere with his money-making, he can survive in Xiangyang, whether in the underworld or the legitimate world.

Ji Da Longtou, however, was ruthless and decisive.

He disliked money, yet he made sure that both the legitimate and criminal worlds obeyed his rules, or else they would be beaten and killed.

It initially caused a huge uproar.

But after the Yin Gui Sect experts had fought several rounds, the rest of them all became obedient.

Using the power and influence accumulated from these battles, Ji Yinong gradually gained control of Xiangyang.

Now, no one dares to disobey him.

Therefore, the Han River Sect masters on the city wall were meticulously carrying out Ji Dalong's orders.

After a while, the lookouts on the city wall noticed something unusual: several boats were sailing down the Han River.

When they approached the moat, someone went down to inquire.

Then, he went to the Ji residence to report.

The people from the Han River faction here know the place well; the so-called Ji Mansion is just a place where the Qian Mansion has a different plaque.

We arrived at the council chamber.

The sentry on the city wall peeked into the inner room and saw several terrifying figures.

He quickly bowed his head and reported with his hands clasped:

"Dalongtou, there are several suspicious boats coming from the direction of Nanyang."

Who is on board?

It was a woman's voice. The lookout quickly responded and reported all the information he had gathered.

After he finished speaking, the woman's voice rang out again:

"Go down and keep an eye on things."

"Yes!"

After the lookout left, Ji Yinong turned his neck and looked at the woman in the main seat.

"Elder Yun, what is the point of doing this?"

Ji Yinong said, "Are you planning to set a trap to deal with the Taoist Celestial Master?"

"Deal with what?"

Yun Caiwen said, "Weren't the traps that Bi Shouxuan and Rong Fengxiang set up in Dongdu big enough? Yet they died one after another more tragically. I said long ago that this man has become too powerful and we should not make enemies with him, but they insisted on being self-righteous."

Elder Xia nodded in agreement.

She now admires Yun Caiwen immensely.

If she hadn't listened to Elder Yun's words, she would have already died in the Rong Mansion, just like Bi Shouxuan and Wen Caiting.

At this moment, through Elder Yun's words, they had already figured out some of his intentions.

"Cai Wen, did you leave as soon as you heard the news?"

Elder Xia's blunt words caused Bai Qing'er and Ji Yinong, who were standing to the side, to pause for a moment.

Elder Yun coughed:
"If the Celestial Master comes to Xiangyang, it will be of great significance. We must inform our patriarch immediately."

Ji Yinong didn't point it out, but suddenly remembered something: "When Elder Pi left, he ordered me to follow Lin Shihong to rise up. Now that a major battle is about to take place in the south, will Xiangyang still follow the original plan?"

Yun Caiwen frowned and glanced at him:
“Bi Shouxuan is dead. The sect leader has not made any arrangements. You stay here and do not move.”

"What should I do if that Heavenly Master comes here?"

“Adaptability,” Yun Caiwen said casually, “isn’t that your forte?”

Ji Yinong cursed her in his heart for being slick, knowing that she didn't want to take responsibility.

After Elder Yun finished speaking, he stood up and walked outside without saying a word.

She's been like this lately, and Ji Yinong doesn't find it strange.

Elder Xia was unaware of her intentions, but instinctively followed her.

To Elder Xia's surprise, Yun Caiwen did not return to her own house, but instead leaped over the courtyard wall, intending to leave this place.

"Why is this temperature collection?"

"Walk."

"Hasn't the Celestial Master arrived yet?"

Elder Yun said, "The chaos in the Eastern Capital has been quelled. Think about it, right now, in his territory, Xiangyang City is like a thorn in his side. I've been feeling uneasy lately, so it's best to leave as soon as possible."

"There aren't any experts in Xiangyang. Once we discover he's here, we probably won't be able to leave."

Elder Xia thought it made sense: "However, we don't seem to have offended him. The sect leader even fought alongside him against Jingnian Temple. He shouldn't be able to harm us, right?"

Elder Yun gave a rather impolite smile.

"How could you become so naive?"

“This man is petty and wants to settle scores about everything. If we stay with this scourge of Bi Shouxuan, we’re sure to be settled by him.”

"If you're not leaving, you can stay here with Ji Yinong. That guy is quite loyal to the Sect Master."

“Go, go, go”

Elder Xia blindly trusted her judgment: "What about Qing'er?"

"It doesn't matter, she is, after all, the sect leader's disciple."

Elder Yun flicked his long sleeves, and he and Elder Xia flew away using their light-footed skills.
Inside the council hall, Bai Qing'er waited for a long time but her two senior uncles did not return.

Before the matter could be resolved, she was about to call someone to ask when Ji Yinong said, "No need."

"Based on my understanding of Elder Yun, she has most likely already fled to find the sect leader."

They started working together in Nanyang and knew Yun Caiwen's character all too well.

Bai Qing'er was somewhat surprised.

"So, what are your plans for handling the Xiangyang situation?"

Ji Yinong rarely showed such confidence: "Miss Bai, please rest assured, I have my own way."

To their surprise, before Ji Yinong could finish speaking, footsteps suddenly sounded outside.

The footsteps hadn't been heard before, but now they were very close, clearly indicating that they were deliberately letting them hear them.

A young man in white slowly walked out from the right side of the door.

Even though it was the first time Bai Qing'er had seen the man's true face, she instantly recognized his identity from his captivating aura and appearance.

She stood up from her seat and couldn't help but look at Ji Yinong.

This bigwig from Xiangyang remained relatively calm.

But how should he deal with it?

Bai Qing'er's beautiful, enigmatic eyes suddenly filled with astonishment.

This scene was reflected in her pupils.

As soon as the young man in white appeared, Ji Dalong walked up without saying a word and bowed down!

Is this what you mean by "having your own way"?
"Ji Yinong was unaware of the Celestial Master's arrival and failed to greet him properly; he deserves to die."

Zhou Yi waved his hand: "Get up."

He glanced at the girl beside him who bore a resemblance to Wanwan and casually asked, "Are you Bai Qing'er?"

“Yes,” she bowed slightly, “Qing’er greets the Celestial Master.”

She was also an absolute beauty, possessing a captivating charm that few men could resist.

just
Bai Qing'er sensed that the young man in front of her might have been admiring her, but his eyes were clear and devoid of lust.

"Where are your sect's elders?"

Bai Qing'er said, "They may have already left."

Zhou Yi was slightly taken aback. He thought that no one should have noticed his arrival in Xiangyang.

"Can you make decisions about this matter?"

Ji Yinong quickly replied, "Okay!"

Bai Qing'er nodded in agreement. With the elders absent, they were naturally in charge.

She was still waiting for Zhou Yi to ask, but Ji Dalong, who was standing to the side, spoke first.

"Xiangyang is ready and at the Celestial Master's disposal."

Zhou Yi smiled and asked, "Can you completely control Xiangyang?"

Ji Yinong answered without hesitation: "Yes!"

Bai Qing'er felt Zhou Yi's gaze shift to her, and could only follow Ji Yinong's lead and ask, "What does the Celestial Master need us to do?"

"Spread the word about Xiangyang's stance. Also, maintain stability in this city and wait for my people to take over. Can you do that?"

"Yes!" Ji Yinong declared loudly, his powerful voice causing Bai Qing'er's eyes to twitch slightly.

She was waiting for Zhou Yi to give further instructions.

Unexpectedly, after he finished speaking, he darted out of the council hall in a few steps. When he chased after him, he had vanished without a trace.

Bai Qing'er was slightly dazed.

She turned her head and looked at Ji Yinong with suspicion: "You met with the Celestial Master before?"

Ji Yinong frowned: "After learning that he was the Celestial Master, this is the first time I have seen his face clearly. How can I say that I have seen him before?"

"Then why are you."

Bai Qing'er didn't need to continue. This Xiangyang City was practically given away for free. The Yin Gui Sect had put so much effort into managing it, only to have it all benefit someone else.

Ji Yinong patted his chest:

“I am utterly loyal to the Sect Master, and this is the best possible outcome for Xiangyang. The situation in the world has been settled, and the Sect Master has long since decided not to be enemies with the Celestial Master. You are the Sect Master's disciple; can't you see that?”

That being said, your switch of identities was too smooth.

Bai Qing'er felt puzzled, but then suddenly remembered the person she had just met and decided not to pursue the matter any further.

With the master absent, today's outcome is already decided.

I wonder what Master's reaction will be when he finds out.

While her thoughts were in turmoil, Ji Yinong had already taken action in a flurry of activity.

He immediately summoned the experts of the Han River Sect, and all the sentries that Elder Yun had arranged on the city wall were withdrawn.

The Han River faction received Ji Yinong's order to immediately convene a meeting of all the gangs and families in the city.

The people of Xiangyang were speculating about what kind of trouble he was up to.

Those who disagreed with him even planned to cause trouble.

Unexpectedly, Ji Yinong announced a shocking piece of news.

Xiangyang has surrendered to the Celestial Master.

Although it was reasonable, it was too sudden, and all sorts of discussions resounded everywhere.

Those who caused trouble obediently put away their weapons.

Ji Yinong is now beyond repair.
……

"The owner! The owner!"

In the second hall of the inner fortress of Feima Mountain City in Nanjun, a maidservant hurriedly entered with orders from the head steward, Shang Zhen.

Before long, guided by the guards of the inner fortress, she arrived at a small courtyard with a clear, babbling spring.

In the center of the courtyard, a woman dressed elegantly with deep, beautiful eyes sat at a stone table, handling the ranch's complicated affairs.

Because he was dealing with serious business, the aloof and noble air emanating from the ranch owner always wafted out unintentionally.

This made the atmosphere of the entire courtyard appear more serious and solemn.

The approaching maid was affected and composed herself.

"What's wrong? Why are you in such a panic?"

Shang Xiuxun glanced at her, then continued to look down at the letters sent back by the various caravans.

She hasn't been idle at all during this time.

In addition to the business of ranches scattered throughout Kyushu, there were also wars in the north and south.

Although the ranch did not directly participate in the battles many times, the warhorses were always being transported out, in quantities far exceeding any previous business transaction.

"Manager, the head steward says we have guests arriving soon."

"Who?"

"Deacon Liang sent word back that he met Young Master Zhou at the ferry."

Shang Xiuxun looked surprised, wondering if she had misheard.

She was very clear about the situation in Jiangnan.

The battles in Dongdu and Jiangnan are intertwined; he probably won't have time to come.

However, thinking of the letter he had received a few days ago, a sense of anticipation arose in his heart, and he asked again, "Which Mr. Zhou?"

"It's the one who's close to you."

Shang Xiuxun glared at her, but then smiled slightly, all the majesty of the ranch owner vanishing.

A short while later, she personally came down from the mountain town to greet him.

Despite the large crowd of onlookers at the ranch, Shang Xiuxun remained unfazed and led Zhou Yi to the highest point of the mountain city in a grand manner at the East Gorge of the Pegasus Ranch.

Upon entering the inner fortress, Zhou Yi entered the familiar second hall.

As the crowd thinned out, he looked at the graceful and gentle girl beside him, leaned closer, and asked:
"Xiuxun, has it been a long time since I last came to see you?"

"Do you need to ask me?"

Shang Xiuxun glanced at him sideways. Zhou Yi didn't think she was angry; he only heard her say:
"Actually, it's nothing. At least you still have some conscience and haven't forgotten the letters. I just imagined you were still in Nanyang. Anyway, that period was the longest, and you weren't by my side at the time."

Zhou Yi didn't reply, but then she said, "Come this way!"

She didn't show much of a smile on her face, but she ran very lightly.

"what is this?"

"See for yourself, it was brought back to me by the Dangyang caravan."

Zhou Yi picked up a letter containing a record of the conversation between Chen Ruiyang and the two young Taoist boys.

"What 'The letter you wrote expresses the deep sorrow of a traveler; who knew that tonight, the traveler would again paint the mountain peaks'? Did you write these?"

Seeing that she seemed expectant, Zhou Yi shook his head regretfully: "No."

The disappointment in the beautiful owner's eyes flashed by, but she concealed it very well: "I knew it wasn't true. Your junior brothers and sisters are really quirky and clever."

Zhou Yi followed her words and said:

“They are indeed very insightful, but they only told Chen Ruiyang these things because I mentioned you.”

Her eyes lit up, and when she stared at Zhou Yi, she looked even more captivating.

"So you came across the Han River specifically to find me?"

"No, no."

Zhou Yi shook his head seriously: "Because the Yangtze River is calmer, this road is easier to travel."

Shang Xiuxun immediately laughed. This was clearly sarcasm. There had just been a battle in Xuancheng County recently, so it was far from peaceful.

She then became serious: "You should hurry up and go to Jiangnan. You don't need to linger here with me."

Zhou Yi sensed that she wasn't just repeating his sarcasm, and immediately replied, "I don't care about a day or two. Besides, even if I'm not here, Lin Shihong and Xiao Xian wouldn't stand a chance if a fight broke out."

"By the way, is Mr. Lu in the back hill?"

"exist."

Seeing his slight hesitation, Shang Xiuxun asked, "What do you want to ask him?"

"There are some things, but I'm afraid he's unwilling to say them."

She frowned slightly, then pulled Zhou Yi towards the back mountain, saying, "I'll go with you, let's see what other secrets the old man is keeping from you."

……

(End of this chapter)