Chapter 395: This World is as You Wished (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 395: This World as You Wish (Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

Liang Xing served as a Golden Flag Officer in the White Tiger Guard, his status sufficient, naturally able to peruse the relevant intelligence within the Guard's archives.

These records could generally be divided into four parts.

The Clans Section, covering the regions of the three prefectures across the Nine Provinces, encompassed all the great clans with a long lineage and their descendants.

Its contents included their genealogies—whether they were families of poets and scholars, or cultivated in literature, or martial lineages.

The Four Barbarian Tribes Section pertained to the various nations surrounding the Zhou Dynasty of the Great Wei Empire, including the Barbarian Tribes, Bei Mang, Wa Country, Fo Country, and Po Shi Suo Country.

The basics covered matters of daily life and military forces; deeper layers involved certain individuals requiring focused attention, as well as a roster of spies scattered across these foreign lands.

Of course, due to limitations in conditions, the details within the Four Barbarian Tribes varied in depth.

The Jianghu Section comprised the sects, schools, and factions within the various prefectures and cities, along with some notably important figures in the jianghu world.

For instance, the "White Sage" Gong Yebai.

For instance, the "Snow Sword Lord" Ye Geoshen.

For instance, the "Sword Saint" Li Wudang and others.

Each of these individuals was a supreme master at the Land Immortal realm.

Within the White Tiger Guard, their records bore only one requirement—comprehensive documentation.

Not only was it required that a painter of the highest realm, the Da Cheng Realm, create portraits of them, clearly depicting their names, ages, physiques, appearances, and preferences.

It was also necessary to meticulously record their deeds according to the calendar, marking each year, month, and day, thereby assessing their temperaments.

Even those connected to them were to be documented in the same manner.

For example, the "White Sage's" several disciples, the Fengyu Tower sect, and others.

Beyond these, all past heads of the Guard had penned brief comments for these Land Immortals.

Liang Xing remembered these details clearly.

Since the current head assumed office five years ago, he had composed such remarks for the surviving Land Immortals.

Among them, the words written for the "Snow Sword Lord" Ye Geoshen read: "The Way of the Sword has reached its pinnacle, yet is ensnared by emotion; such a one cannot be deemed a true gentleman."

"Destroyers of the world, they may give rise to inner demons."

"If unnecessary, one must preserve the legacy of the Joyful Families; remember this."

As for the "White Sage" Gong Yebai, the comments were: "Though he appears carefree in the world, he is bold enough to lead the way."

"If the Great Wei Dynasty's winds of chaos arise, one may rely upon the Fengyu Tower."

Such were the countless remarks.

Of course, these records of the Land Immortals were not accessible to all within the White Tiger Guard.

Only those of Golden Flag Officer rank and above could view them.

As Liang Xing pondered these matters, he grew ever more perplexed as to why the "Dragon Tiger" would involve itself with the "Snow Sword Lord."

The Jianghu Section's archives contained no such entry.

Liang Xing, lost in thought, folded a sealed letter and sent it via the eagle-falcon.

"Perhaps the head already knows of this matter, which is why he summoned Liu Wu to join the White Tiger Guard?"

"Perhaps so..."

After making this determination, his spirit steadied, and he released the letter into the sky, watching it soar northward until it vanished beyond the horizon.

He then changed into his regular attire, donned his cloak, and emerged from the back hall.

Not long after, Liang Xing arrived at the upper floor of the Spring Rain Tower, entering a quiet chamber.

Guo Lao San rushed in, still wearing the soft wig atop his head, a phoenix hairpin at his nape, his face painted with heavy makeup, and dressed in a flowing gown.

The collar was half-open, revealing a small patch of hair.

"My lord, my lord... what brings you here today?"

Liang Xing stared at him, his expression stern, his robes already far above the clouds.

He pointed at Guo Lao San, opened his mouth, then sighed softly, his voice filled with relief:

"Ah, my friend, you've been through so much."

Guo Lao San chuckled sheepishly, "Forgive me, my lord, for all I've done for our White Tiger Guard."

As he spoke, he hastily wiped away the rouge from his face, his cheeks streaked with red and white.

Liang Xing struggled to suppress his smile, then burst into hearty laughter.

Guo Lao San, seeing this, managed a bitter smile.

His mother.

Had it not been for the bustling, gossip-filled environment of the Bright Moon Tower, he couldn't have played the role of the old turtle official.

Who would have thought Liang Xing would arrive just then?

"My lord, please don't smile, I... I am ashamed."

"Ha ha, very well, let's not smile—let's speak plainly."

Liang Xing settled into a chair, his gaze slightly averted, avoiding the few stray hairs he might see.

After adjusting his posture, he finally spoke: "How did the matters you were to investigate turn out?"

Guo Lao San relaxed slightly, then spoke with a steady voice: "Several things have come to light."

"Tell me."

"The soldiers of the Ting Yuan Army have been sent out and have not concealed their movements."

"The southern Xuanjia Army now garrisoned within the Mengshui Pass, sending out a thousand soldiers daily for patrols beyond the pass."

"Recently, they were said to have encountered barbarian scouts, suffering heavy losses."

"Xiao Jinghong has also gone to the Mengshui Pass as a result."

Guo Lao San noticed Liang Xing remained silent, so he continued: "The western troops of the Tiebai Army, led by General Li Changqing, marched to the Tea Horse Ancient Road."

"After a brief rest, they have now been engaging bandits near Sutqing, and should be safe for the time being."

"Supposedly, upon hearing the news, the bandits fled westward, so there should be no immediate danger."

"The elite forces of the Canglang Army under Pang Xuan have been sweeping through the mountain bandits along the way, now advancing south along the Chu River, currently at the junction of Shu Prefecture and Guangyue Prefecture."

Liang Xing listened, nodded, and gestured: "Xiao Jinghong is seeking to train, this matter has already been reported to the capital, and close attention is needed."

"What about the Luanfeng side?"

Old Master Ge slightly hesitated, then said, "Sir, my lord, I fear we've been unable to investigate deeply for fear of being discovered by the Magpie Guard."

"Except for those previously found on the grain routes, whose martial arts prowess is quite remarkable, they simply seemed to have fewer people than before."

"Fewer people? Where did they go?"

"My lord, please excuse me, but I've yet to find their whereabouts."

Xingxing slightly furrowed his brows and said, "Continue investigating, you must find where those people have gone."

"Yes, my lord!"

Xingxing recalled the letter from Liu Five, becoming alert.

If indeed Cui family was pulling strings behind the scenes, manipulating the Ji Zhou merchant guild, then they must have been taking some action lately.

Especially...

Xingxing suppressed his fluttering heart and then asked, "How's the investigation from the Magpie Guard side?"

Old Master Ge lowered his voice and said, "I've discovered..."

Xingxing leaned closer, enduring the sharp scent of powder, and listened to his words, then said,

"All under the command of Commissioner Li Fu?"

"The Magpie Guard naturally controls a garrison post on the border, so having someone hidden in the army of General Li would be understandable."

Old Master Ge nodded, "I too think so, but..."

"But what?"

"But I've discovered that this person has been in private contact with General Li Changqing of the Iron Wall Fortress."

"Li Changqing?"

"Is it coincidence...?"

Xingxing furrowed his brows, his fingers tapping on the table.

Where was there so much coincidence?

People from the Magpie Guard were hiding among the troops of the General at Lingyuan, yet they avoided impropriety and instead maintained close contact with a general.

All signs pointed to trouble.

Not to mention it was Li Changqing.

He was a distant relative of Commissioner Li Fu of the Shuzhou garrison command, and was also a disciple of the Marquis of Lingyuan, Xiao Yuan.

If he had any issues, it would inevitably affect the relationship between the Xiao family and the garrison command, thereby spreading to Shuzhou.

Xingxing's hand paused mid-motion, "Keep a close watch on that person!"

"I want to know the situation of everyone connected to him!"

Old Master Ge bowed his head, "My lord, rest assured, I've already begun investigating this person, and I believe we'll soon have some leads."

"Be careful with your subordinates, make sure they don't get discovered by him."

"After all, he's a spy from the Magpie Guard, so some wariness is natural."

"Yes..."

After giving a few instructions, Xingxing recalled this journey's purpose, and then commanded, "There's another matter."

"Go check on the merchants traveling between the tea and horse roads."

"Pay special attention to those selling goods from the southern tribes and western Luo and Buddhist kingdoms, see if anything has been discovered."

Though he didn't understand the reason, Old Master Ge dutifully agreed.

"I'll have them dispatched right away."

"Good..."

...

As evening fell, a cool breeze blew.

When Chen Yi returned to Qinghe Garden, Xiao Xing, Xiao Wugou, and Pei Wuli were sitting in the pavilion playing and frolicking.

Though most of the time it was Xiao Wugou and Pei Wuli who were sparring.

Xiao Xing stood nearby, occasionally giving Xiao Wugou a boost of confidence, making Pei Wuli shout about unfairness and such.

Chen Yi stood watching for a moment, then knowing that Pei Wuli was feeding Xiao Wugou, he smiled and walked over.

When Xiao Wugou saw him return, he dropped Pei Wuli and pounced on him, "Brother Chen, you're back."

Just like the time he had seen Xiao Zhenghong patrolling the three towns and returned.

Chen Yi embraced him, giving him a little shake, "Wugou, you've grown quite a bit lately."

Xiao Wugou laughed and said, "Uncle Chen, the master says those who practice martial arts need to eat and rest well, Elder Sister just said I've been eating a lot more lately."

Chen Yi smiled, set him down, and then ordered Xiao Xing, "Go prepare dinner in the kitchen, we can't keep Wugou waiting for his martial arts progress."

Before Xiao Xing could respond, Xiao Wugou let out a loud yelp, "Brother Chen!"

Seeing this, all of them laughed.

Pei Wuli laughed the loudest, "Hahaha... well, well, little Wugou needs to eat more, so that someday he can be stronger than me."

Xiao Wugou looked around, his little face a bit round, but without any trace of embarrassment.

"You just watch, I'll become a great master someday, a grand master!"

Chen Yi patted him, "Have ambition, I'll wait for you to protect me."

Xiao Wugou patted his chest, "Brother Chen, be at ease."

Pei Wuli, however, covered her mouth and sneaked a laugh, "That Wugou really needs to work hard, Brother Chen... heh..."

Chen Yi secretly glared at her, "Hurry up and eat, both of you."

Pei Wuli stuck out her tongue and ran back to the wooden building.

On the way, she bounced and skipped, her silver bells jingling all the way.

Chen Yi watched her go far away, and secretly shook his head, then followed Xiao Wugou.

After a while, Xiao Xing had arranged a good spread of dishes, and they all sat and ate and chatted.

Pei Wuli chewed on a chicken leg and said, "After those guests from the capital left, it's finally quiet again."

Xiao Wugou took a sip of congee and nodded in agreement, "Elder Sister was resting all afternoon, and it's still not time for her to rise."

Chen Yi looked toward the direction of Jaxing Yard, smiled and said, "There are many guests in the mansion, she's been busying herself all these days."

Xiao Wan'er had indeed been busy, attending to guests from the countryside while also taking care of the inner chambers, handling all the accounts regarding the estate, the pharmacy, and other matters.

Except for her, it seemed there were few people in the entire Xiao family who were this busy.

At that moment, Xiao Xing thought of something and whispered low, "Brother-in-law, I heard Master had a fit of rage after noon about some matter."

"Both the steward and the overseer were punished."

Xiao Wuge looked up. "Is Grandfather angry?"

Xiaodie hummed in assent, whispering, "Young master, please do not blame Xiaodie for talking too much."

Xiao Wuge naturally paid no mind to that, turning his gaze toward Chen Yi. "Brother-in-law, why would Grandfather be angry? He seemed quite cheerful at noon."

Chen Yi wiped the corner of his mouth, shaking his head. "I do not know."

He, of course, knew precisely why the old master was enraged.

In that letter he had written to the old master, he had not only mentioned that Xiao Jinghong might already know Fu Wanqing was still alive.

He had also pointed out that the power behind the Jizhou Trading Firm was likely the Cui family of Qinghe, and that the recent events unfolding in Shuzhou were orchestrated by individuals from the Cui family working behind the scenes.

Given the old master's temperament, how could he not be anxious upon learning this?

Yet Chen Yi was not worried about the old master.

His greater concern lay with Xiao Jinghong.

The old master had weathered the ups and downs of many decades, possessing tremendous composure.

Whereas Xiao Jinghong...

Though Chen Yi had not interacted with Xiao Jinghong for long, he could tell she possessed absolute confidence in her own strength.

It was likely a result of her childhood experiences; both her vision and her pride were exceedingly high.

It was, in truth, understandable.

Were Chen Yi in her position.

Facing the current state of the Xiao family—the old and the young, the dead and the wounded—he too would grit his teeth and stand resolutely at the forefront.

But understanding was one thing.

Xiao Jinghong was, after all, his wife; he could not simply sit by and do nothing.

"If Madam undergoes a single failure, perhaps she will become more cautious than before."

Chen Yi shook his head inwardly; if his own wife were to be bullied, it was even more impossible for him to ignore it.

No matter what, he would take the fight straight to their doorstep.

After dinner.

The few of them parted ways.

Pei Guanli took Xiao Wuge to the Purple Bamboo Forest to continue his cultivation.

Once Xiaodie finished clearing the dishes, she returned to her wing to continue writing her book, *The Son-in-Law of the Marquis Residence*.

Chen Yi went to the study, writing calligraphy and painting, pondering the subsequent matters of Shuzhou.

Naturally, he did not forget his nighttime destination—the Chishui River to the west of the city.

"Ye Guxian, you had better go easy, or else..."

...

Before the hour of the Pig.

Within the Residence of Serenity, nature was peaceful.

The stream by the pavilion murmured softly, the round moon and lamplight blurring in the flowing water, which also reflected the old master's somewhat dim, aged countenance.

He sat alone by the pond, gazing calmly at the water, though his eyes lacked any focus whatsoever.

Just as Chen Yi had guessed, ever since obtaining that letter, Xiao Yuan's mind had found no peace.

He worried deeply that Xiao Jinghong would do something reckless.

Just as she had once ignored his dissuasion, resolutely taking command of the Dingyuan Army.

Before long.

Xiao Yuan let out a sigh. "Fengchun, Wanqing..."

Before he could finish his words, he seemed to sense something and turned his head toward a corner, his expression returning to its usual sternness as he asked:

"Is there news from Mengshui Pass?"

Seeing that the old master had noticed his arrival, Xiao Jing excited slightly—the old master's cultivation must be on the verge of returning to its full peak.

"Replying to the Marquis, a letter came from Mengshui Pass. The Second Miss went out yesterday and sustained light injuries."

The elder Master Xiao frowned slightly, then relaxed his brow; it seemed Liu Wu was correct, the one who injured Jinghong was indeed Song Jinjian, the "Sword of No Contention."

"Is she still at Mengshui Pass now?"

"Yes."

Xiao Jing nodded. "The Second Miss wrote a letter and had Su Yuezhen send someone to deliver it home. It should arrive tomorrow."

"Is that so..."

The elder Master Xiao's heart tightened, and he turned to ask, "Has any news returned from the Barbarian tribes?"

Xiao Jing hesitated slightly. "Replying to the Marquis, our men have not yet returned from the Barbarians, however..."

"However, someone along the Tea Horse Ancient Road mentioned seeing traces of a Wei person within the Black Bear tribe."

"It is said that the Wei person holds a special status; whenever walking about the tribe, several Barbarian warriors escort them."

"Escort?"

The elder Master Xiao laughed, his laughter sounding somewhat desolate. "If that person truly were Wanqing, why would the Barbarians be so kind as to protect her?"

Xiao Jing lowered his head in silence.

He well understood that if Fu Wanqing were captured by the Barbarians, they would only imprison her, not allow her to walk freely about the tribe.

After a moment of silence.

The elder Master Xiao spoke, "It suffices to keep an eye on the Barbarians."

"The pressing matter is Jinghong."

"Send word to her, tell her to make a trip home in the coming days, say that... this old man has matters to discuss."

"I shall go at once."

After Xiao Jing departed, the elder Master Xiao stood up by the pond, lifting his head to gaze at the bright moon and starry sky.

"The Cui family..."

"If anything happens to Jinghong, then this Shuzhou, this world, shall be exactly as you wish."

...

Five hundred li east of the Shuzhou prefectural city, by the Chishui River.

Chen Yi was naturally unaware of the old master's thoughts.

Before the hour of the Pig, he arrived here, waiting for Ye Guxian while fashioning a crude fishing rod to pass the time.

After sitting idly for half an hour without seeing a single fish take the bait, Chen Yi curled his lip, tossing the rod directly into the river, letting it float and sink at will.

At that moment, Ye Guxian landed beside him, glancing at the fishing rod before saying, "Let us begin."

Chen Yi froze slightly, "Senior, you said you want to teach me swordplay?"

"With your natural talent, you should be able to learn while sparring with me."

"...That remains to be seen."

Ye Guxian clearly had no intention of granting him any room for negotiation; with a flick of his hand, two wooden swords materialized in his palms.

He tossed one to Chen Yi, and before Chen Yi could even grasp it, a strike was already thrusting forward.

A simple, unadorned strike.

There was no flow of true essence, no blessing from the natural spiritual mechanism of heaven and earth, nor did it even reveal a fraction of sword intent.

Yet the moment Chen Yi saw him raise his hand, the hairs all over his body stood on end, and he hastily executed the Meteor Butterfly Step to dodge.

Hiss!

Almost at the exact moment he evaded, a faint breeze drifted past his face.

Slow and natural.

Just like a spring breeze brushing against the skin.

Yet behind him, everything within a hundred yards was silently severed.

Even the rushing Redwater River was cleft into two sections by that single strike.

The surging water upstream seemed to encounter an invisible barrier, forcibly blocked and piling high.

Catching sight of this out of the corner of his eye, Chen Yi gasped, "Senior..."

Before he could finish, he saw Ye Guxian standing in place, thrusting another strike forward.

In a frantic panic, he grabbed the wooden sword, ducked his body, and rolled across the ground like a lazy donkey.

"Senior, show some mercy under your sword!"

Ye Guxian remained unmoved, "This strike is named 'Shadowless'."

While dodging, Chen Yi watched his movements, yet he failed to discern any secret trick.

Was that not just the basic thrust of foundational swordplay?

And he calls it Shadowless...

As if reading his thoughts, Ye Guxian continued, "All techniques return to their source; when skill is cultivated to its ultimate end, it merges with heaven and earth."

"The so-called spiritual mechanism of heaven and earth, massive and imposing though it may be, remains inferior in my eyes."

"The Shadowless form is the culmination of my life's learning."

"Look once more—"

Look at your grandmother's leg!

Chen Yi cursed bitterly in his heart, dodging once again in a wretched state.

He had figured it out by now; while it was true this man was teaching him swordplay, it was equally true he was using the opportunity to teach him a lesson.

What kind of venerable senior passes on martial arts by using techniques and cultivation that exceed his junior by several realms?

But he could only keep these thoughts to himself.

Aside from doing his utmost to dodge, he truly had no other options.

After a brief moment.

Ye Guxian stopped, looking at him with a serious expression: "You try."

"..."

Chen Yi barely managed to hold back a curse; after forcing his mind to calm down, he carefully recalled Ye Guxian's movements just now, raised his hand, and thrust out a strike.

Sword intent erupted.

Searing straight toward Ye Guxian.

Ye Guxian did not even dodge, allowing that sword intent to fall upon his body, his eyes fixed intently on Chen Yi.

After a quiet interlude, a slight look of doubt appeared on his face.

"With your natural talent, having seen my Shadowless thrice, how could you fail to grasp even a fraction of understanding?"

"You motherfucker, you go too far!"

(End of chapter)