The villainous bosses from their past lives have all been reborn.

Yuan Residence.

There was a sense of oppression in Yuan Feng's study.

Yuan Feng, the current commander of Yanzhou under the Great Zhou Dynasty, had just quelled a number of demonic sect strongholds within Yanzhou and established a great achievement, but there was no joy on his face.

"uncle!"

Yuan Xiu's arrival made Yuan Feng's expression much better.

"sit!"

Yuan Xiu bowed respectfully and sat down opposite Yuan Feng. Yuan Feng immediately placed two documents in front of Yuan Xiu.

One was a private letter, and the other was an official document from the imperial court.

This private message was written by Fu Tianhai, the owner of Tianquan Manor in Jinzhou, saying that the Demonic Sect in Jinzhou was making strange moves and wanted to request assistance, and specifically asked Yuan Cai to go.

Yuan Xiu could understand this. Whether in his past life or this one, Fu Tianhai had always liked Yuan Cai. Not long ago, news of Yuan Cai killing Qiu Shu spread, causing a stir in the martial arts world of the six northern states, and Tianquan Manor even sent a congratulatory gift.

Another official document stated that the current governor of Yanzhou was old and about to retire, and the Great Zhou court had already selected a new governor to take his place.

The current governor of Yanzhou has served as governor for many years and has always maintained a respectful relationship with the Yuan family. The newly appointed governor, however, is backed by Chancellor Lin. Chancellor Lin has consistently advocated weakening the military power of local governors and consolidating it under the central government, with the six northern prefectures being a key area of ​​focus for him.

After Yuan Xiu finished reading, Yuan Feng asked:

"how?"

"The situation in Jinzhou is unpredictable, and this newly arrived governor is probably no pushover either."

As he spoke, Yuan Feng sighed and said:

"In the martial world and in the imperial court, a moment's carelessness can lead to utter destruction. It's a difficult situation!"

The Yuan family held hereditary military command in Yanzhou and had long resided in the six northern prefectures. Those in the martial arts world viewed the Yuan family as officials of the imperial court, while the court considered them too much like those in the martial arts world. Often caught in the middle, the Yuan family found themselves in a difficult position, ultimately pleasing neither side.

The delicate balance required is very precise. This is why Yuan Feng is currently frowning; the changing situation has put him under immense pressure.

"Forgive me for speaking frankly, but the current court is in a state of old age and incompetence. The barbarians of the four regions all covet the divine weapon of the Central Plains, while in the martial world, many talented people emerge and various factions are vying for power. The world is about to change, and if my Yuan family does not change, we will only face ruin."

Yuan Feng summoned Yuan Xiu, naturally with the intention of entrusting him with something. In his view, among the many descendants of the Yuan family, Yuan Xiu was the most outstanding. In the future, it would be only natural for him to become the head of the Yuan family.

In Yuan Feng's plan, Yuan Xiu would go to the capital to take the imperial examination the following year, obtain the title of Jinshi, enter the court, and thus wash away the Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) atmosphere surrounding the Yuan family.

Even in his wildest dreams, Yuan Feng never imagined that Yuan Xiu would say such a thing.

What are they trying to do, rebel?

However, Yuan Feng's first reaction was quite interesting. Instead of shouting to stop him, he stood up, looked around, and seemed afraid someone might hear. After confirming that no one was around, Yuan Feng finally said:

"You're just a kid, talking nonsense!"

"Uncle, the Demonic Sect is eyeing us covetously from the outside, and the treacherous officials in the court are pressing us hard. If we continue to fight amongst ourselves like this, the six northern states will sooner or later be reduced to ruins by the barbarian cavalry of the northern kingdom."

"Okay, that's enough."

Yuan Feng was almost afraid to listen any longer and instructed:

"It's fine to say these things to my uncle, but if they get out to outsiders, my Yuan family may face annihilation."

Yuan Xiu didn't say anything more. He knew that it would be very difficult to get Yuan Feng to accept this fact at this moment.

What are your thoughts on the situation in Jinzhou?

Yuan Xiu cupped his hands in reply:

"Master Fu wants Sanlang to go, why doesn't Uncle summon Sanlang along?"

Yuan Feng smiled wryly:

"Sanlang is a cowardly and weak-willed child, easily manipulated. If he is influenced by the thieves, he will inevitably make a grave mistake! But after the incident with the rat, Sanlang has changed. I am not sure what to do, and I am afraid that sending him will ruin the affairs of Jinzhou."

"Uncle, rest assured, your nephew will never allow Sanlang to be manipulated by outsiders and harm my Yuan family."

……

Back Mountain Cottage

"Sixth Brother, why did you summon me in such a hurry?"

Yuan Cai wiped the sweat from his brow and came over excitedly.

The effects of the drug were already showing; Yuan Cai was showing signs of breaking through to a higher realm. This was many years earlier than in his previous life.

Yuan Xiu glanced at Yuan Cai and said:

"Old Master Fu wrote a letter, asking you to go to Jinzhou to provide support and wipe out the evil cult."

"Tianquan Villa?"

Yuan Cai was clearly feeling somewhat guilty, after all, in his previous life, it was he who ultimately crushed the Fu family.

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to go?"

"What's wrong with that? As long as you're careful and don't use the Mysterious Heaven Palm in front of others, it'll be fine."

"But why me?"

Yuan Cai stared at Yuan Xiu, only to see him stand with his hands behind his back, speaking leisurely:

"To tell you the truth, my uncle told me that you are the only one who can do this job because of your resolute and decisive character. However, you were just injured, and my uncle is worried that you may not be able to handle it. That's why he asked me to ask for your opinion."

"Did Grandpa really say that?"

"certainly!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Cai's spirits immediately lifted.

"Tell Grandpa, this is just a minor injury, nothing to worry about. Who else but me could handle this!"

-----------------

North.

On the verdant grasslands, hundreds of herders graze their cattle and sheep, forming a small settlement. This seemingly ordinary northern settlement is actually heavily guarded.

Inside the large tent, in the seat that was originally occupied by the tribal chief, sat a gaunt old man.

The Grand Elder of the Demonic Cult.

"Information from Yanzhou indicates that Yuan Cai has betrayed us, and Qiu Shu is dead!"

"With Yuan Cai's extraordinary skills, killing Qiu Shu wouldn't be difficult. However, I always feel there's something fishy about this. Yuan Cai is not destined for great things; why would he suddenly turn against us?"

The words of the Grand Elder of the Demonic Sect left everyone present speechless. Finally, someone said:

"Could it be that Yuan Laoliu has some influence?"

The arrival of this intelligence did not cause any change in the expression of the Grand Elder of the Demonic Sect. Upon hearing the name Yuan Xiu, he touched his chest. The sword scar from Yuan Xiu's injury in his previous life had now disappeared without a trace, but the lingering pain and sense of humiliation remained.

"Yuan Xiu!"

"Elder, it is indeed a pity that Qiu Shu is dead. But the reason we sent him to the Yuan family for so many years was to monitor Yuan Xiu. Over the years, our sect has become certain that Yuan Xiu is not the chosen one. Therefore, even if Yuan Xiu eventually reaches the Grandmaster realm, it is not something to fear."

"Enough. The most important thing for the Holy Sect right now is to help the Sect Leader break through to the eleventh realm. Once the Sect Leader has broken through to the eleventh realm, it won't be long before the iron cavalry marches south and establishes its dominance in the Central Plains. At that time, it won't be too late to deal with Yuan Xiu. Everyone, remember, the matter of Jinzhou must not be neglected."

"I will heed the Elder's teachings!"

……