Chapter 143 - 121: Return to the Northern Border

Chapter 143: Chapter 121: Return to the Northern Border

After leaving the Imperial Palace, Lu Yuan and Meng Tuo found a random tavern, sat down, ordered a few dishes, and called for a jug of wine.

The three of them sat facing one another.

Meng Tuo raised his cup and said, "Lu, of all the younger generation in Dayong I’ve met, you’re among the very strongest. You’re probably no worse than your previous generation of prodigies."

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "I don’t know any of the others."

He was telling the truth. He had no way of interacting with disciples from the Gate Valve families.

He spent his days fighting on the battlefield.

"Oh? Lu, you’re not from one of Dayong’s noble families?" Ling Ku asked, taking a sip of wine. "You’re so powerful."

Lu Yuan discovered that this fellow was a true wine-and-meat monk. When they were ordering, he had only picked meat dishes, and now he was drinking even more enthusiastically.

Meng Tuo looked over as well. Clearly, they both assumed that powerful young experts in Dayong were all supposed to come from noble families.

An ordinary family truly couldn’t produce someone like him.

Lu Yuan shook his head. "I came from the Border Army. I only came to the Imperial City this time because I was recommended by someone else."

Hearing this, Meng Tuo couldn’t help but grin. He had heard of the Dayong Border Army; after all, Xirong had a similar structure.

But if that was the case, it made Lu Yuan’s achievement that much more impressive.

For an ordinary member of the Border Army to reach his current level... his talent had to be simply heaven-defying.

After glancing around, he lowered his voice. "Lu, I don’t mean to overstep, but if that’s the case, you’re wasting your talent by staying in Dayong. Why don’t you come back with me to Xirong?

"Given our friendship, I’ll definitely make sure you’re well taken care of."

Meng Tuo’s voice was tinged with confidence, a clear sign that his status in Xirong was not low.

If Lu Yuan had been a noble, Meng Tuo would never have said such a thing. But he was a Captain in the Border Army—a position that could be abandoned without a second thought.

Ling Ku looked up as well. "Actually, whether it’s the Eastern Barbarians, Xirong, the Northern Barbarians, Dayong, or Great Yu, in the past we all belonged to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty. It was only later that this massive empire fell into civil war, shattering into pieces for several thousand years."

"That’s how so many different nations slowly evolved. In the past, we were all one big family. If you come to Xirong, Lu, no one will treat you like an outsider."

Then, before Lu Yuan could speak, he continued, "I am the Saint Heir of Lingjiao Temple. As long as you’re willing to come, Lu, I will ensure you are not treated unfairly."

Upon hearing that Lu Yuan was merely from the Border Army, both of their eyes lit up.

To them, this was an undeniable opportunity.

Lu Yuan’s talent was simply too good to pass up, and more importantly, his personality was to their liking.

Hearing their offers, Lu Yuan understood that both of them clearly held high positions in Xirong.

That was why they dared to make such direct guarantees to him.

But he still shook his head. "Thank you both for the kind offer, but I have no intention of going anywhere else. I grew up in Dayong, and I’m used to it here."

Hearing his response, neither Meng Tuo nor Ling Ku tried to persuade him further.

After all, it was just a spur-of-the-moment suggestion. They had only just met Lu Yuan, so there was no reason for him to trust them.

It wouldn’t be too late to think of another way once they became more familiar with each other.

Therefore, Meng Tuo raised his cup with a smile. "We’ll respect your wishes, Lu. But remember, if you ever find yourself unhappy here, you can come find me anytime. My doors will always be open for you.

"Come to Xirong, and I guarantee I’ll make you a member of the nobility."

Lu Yuan nodded. The three of them drank a toast, then moved on to chatting about other matters.

They finally parted ways after a couple of hours.

Leaving the tavern, Lu Yuan headed for the courtyard residence, ready to pack his things and leave.

The martial tournament was over, so there was no reason to remain in the Imperial City.

However, just as he returned to Courtyard Number Five, he saw the official from the Ministry of War from before.

Upon seeing Lu Yuan, the man first put on a smile, then stepped forward. "Captain Lu Yuan, you’re finally back. The tournament is over, so I’ve come to reclaim the courtyard."

Although his voice was much more polite than before, it carried a sense of distance and an undertone of urgency.

He clearly didn’t want Lu Yuan to remain in the Imperial City a moment longer.

After all, now that Lu Yuan had won first place in the tournament, everyone knew that the Seventh Prince had publicly renounced him on the Xirong battlefield. His continued presence would only displease the Seventh Prince.

Even if his superiors didn’t say anything, their subordinates would still take it into consideration.

The tournament had just ended today when someone from the palace came and gave this Ministry of War official a subtle reminder, which led to the current situation.

Even though Lu Yuan had been prepared for this, his heart couldn’t help but grow cold.

He didn’t say anything, however. ’If this is how the imperial court acts,’ he thought, ’then I’ll have even fewer qualms about building up my own power base.’

His entire mindset had now completely changed.

In his heart, Dayong had now become merely a place for him to accumulate his own strength.

The sense of identity his body’s previous owner had felt was gradually fading away.

Thus, he wasn’t angry. He simply smiled and said, "Fine. I’ll leave right away."

With that, he entered the courtyard, packed up his belongings, and walked straight back out.

In truth, he had long grown tired of being away from the border anyway.

He had been looking forward to returning to the Northern Border.

After gathering his things, he mounted his Red Scale Horse, rode straight out of the residence, and headed for the Northern Border.

This time, he took in the sights of the various regions of Dayong near the Imperial City as he traveled.

It was completely incomparable to a place like the border.

The density of the Spiritual Qi was beyond imagination.

Even the ordinary commoners had strength roughly at the Entry Level.

’In the eyes of the imperial court, I suppose these are the only true citizens of Dayong,’ Lu Yuan thought, taking in the scenes before him.

In the days that followed, he simply focused on his journey.

His Red Scale Horse traveled without rest, and finally, after a month, he entered the territory of the Northern Border.

Another half a month later, he returned to Icefield City.

As soon as he entered the city, he saw Zhou Hongling already waiting at the gates. Upon seeing him, she let out a long sigh of relief and said, "Welcome back."

Lu Yuan nodded. "It’s good to be home."

"Let’s go. They’ve already prepared a meal at the mansion. Your mother has been asking about you constantly," Zhou Hongling said softly.

She hadn’t changed much. As always, she wore a suit of close-fitting Soft Armor.

A scarlet cape was draped over her back.

Seated on her warhorse, she cut a heroic and valiant figure.

Lu Yuan rode alongside her.

When they returned to the General’s Mansion and dismounted, Zhou Hongling said to Lu Yuan, "I heard you won first place in the Imperial City tournament. That’s incredible! In the blink of an eye, you’ve become stronger than me."

She had a smile on her face, seeming even happier than if she had made a breakthrough herself.

Lu Yuan, in turn, glanced at Zhou Hongling. "The General has also broken through to the Innate Realm. Congratulations."

She rolled her eyes. "I reached the Gang Qi Realm a long time ago, you know. Back then, you were only at Bone Forging. Now you’ve already caught up, so is it really that surprising that I’ve broken through to the Innate Realm?"

Then she added, "Alright, enough about that. Let’s hurry inside and eat."

With that, she pulled Lu Yuan into the main hall, where his mother was already waiting.

Joy filled her face upon seeing her son’s return. After all, Lu Yuan had been gone for the better part of a year. He had left at the start of winter, and now winter was approaching once again.

"Mother."

His mother said emotionally, "Good, it’s good you’re back. Quick, let’s eat."

Lu Yuan nodded and sat down.

The meal was a heartwarming affair.

Even his mother had a little wine.

After the meal, only Lu Yuan and Zhou Hongling remained in the main hall.

His mother had returned to her quarters to rest.

"I hear the Northern Border is in chaos right now. What’s the Marquis of Zhenbian like? Is he easy to get along with?" Lu Yuan asked softly.

Back when they were in Xirong, she had refused to talk about it no matter how he asked.

Now that Lu Yuan was back, there was no reason to hide anything. Zhou Hongling said softly, "Not at all. Shang Yong had conflicts with our family in the past, and now he’s become a Border Marquis and has been transferred here to command the Jiuse."

"My father is being constantly marginalized, and my authority over Wohu Pass has been taken away."

"Shang Yong also deliberately split off the Helian Family’s Huangsha Fortress to be independent."

"As a Garrison General, I’m practically a commander with no troops now. My words only carry some weight here in Icefield Pass."

"On top of that, the imperial court recently dispatched a major figure from the Imperial Guard to oversee the military and political affairs of the Northern Border."

"I’m afraid things are about to get even more difficult."

After all, everyone knows the Imperial Guard has always looked down on the Border Army.

Now that a contingent of the Imperial Guard is here to oversee them, it would be a miracle if they were treated with any respect.

Forget about the Zhou Family; even the Marquis of Zhenbian, Shang Yong, is probably on edge.

"Do you know who it is?" Lu Yuan asked.

"I don’t. I heard the main force just arrived to set up camp and they’ve deliberately sealed all information. Only the Border Marquis of the Northern Border knows for sure. However, word has already come down: in three days, all officers at the rank of Captain and above, led by their respective State Generals, are to travel to Jizhou City to pay their respects to this major figure from the Imperial Guard."

"Given the distance, we’ll have to set out tomorrow."

"Go back and get your affairs in order. I’ll wait for you tomorrow morning."

"Be careful when we get there. I suspect the Marquis of Zhenbian might try to use this opportunity to cause trouble."

Zhou Hongling said, her voice laced with worry.

She had heard that the Marquis of Zhenbian had already sent someone to deliver gifts to this major figure from the Imperial Guard.

Meanwhile, the Zhou Family had no way of getting in touch with such a personage.

One step behind means always a step behind.

In her heart, she felt that the road ahead for the Zhou Family was only going to get harder.

Lu Yuan nodded. "Yes, I understand."

With that, he rose and headed for the Captain’s Mansion.

Zhou Hongling watched his retreating figure, a gratified expression on her face. The young man from all those years ago was finally, step by step, starting to mature.

’I just wonder when he’ll finally get a clue,’ she thought.

「Meanwhile, in Jizhou City」

Xiao Heng had just entered his temporary residence.

The Marquis of Mucheng walked in, smiling. "Your Grace, you’ve only just arrived, and the Border Marquis of the Northern Border is already rushing to send gifts. The Marquis of Zhenbian, Shang Yong, sent over an Ice Jade Buddha Statue. I had my men return it."

"It’s a good thing you ordered that the news of your arrival in the Northern Border be kept secret. Otherwise, who knows how many more people would have come to pay their respects along the way."

"I know of this Shang Yong," Xiao Heng said dismissively. "He has always been an opportunistic schemer. Even now that he’s latched onto some Imperial City noble and become a Border Marquis, he hasn’t changed."

Then, he produced a Holy Decree from the desk. "This is His Majesty’s decree for Lu Yuan’s appointment. His position as General of the Northern Patrol is secure now."

"Why is the decree here with you?" the Marquis of Mucheng asked in confusion.

"Why else? The subordinates knew the Seventh Prince had renounced Lu Yuan, so they didn’t want him lingering in the Imperial City for fear of displeasing the Prince. They reclaimed his courtyard residence ahead of schedule."

"When the Holy Decree arrived, they couldn’t find the man, so it was delivered to me," Xiao Heng said, a look of resignation on his face.

A flash of indignation crossed the Marquis of Mucheng’s face, but he quickly suppressed it. "The boy has been wronged."

"Indeed. I expect he’ll be back in the next few days. The various Border Marquises will be arriving with their officers of Captain rank and above. You should do your best to console him. We can’t let a man who has rendered meritorious service feel betrayed."

"Announce the Holy Decree at the same time."

"Oh, and one more thing. How is that group of Border Army soldiers I had you bring from Xirong?"

Xiao Heng inquired.

Back in Xirong, he had ordered that a handpicked group of elite soldiers be selected for Lu Yuan from the scattered Border Army remnants. They had been brought over with the Imperial Guard this time, ready to be placed under Lu Yuan’s command.

It was also a form of compensation for him.

After all, no matter how you looked at it, Lu Yuan had brought Xiao Heng great honor this time.

He was the one who had recommended Lu Yuan, after all.

"They’re here. Their morale is quite high. We’ve supplied them with some provisions, and now all of them have reached the Entry Level. It’s the perfect time to hand them over to Lu Yuan’s command," the Marquis of Mucheng said with a smile.

Only then did Xiao Heng nod in satisfaction. "Excellent. In that case, we’ll hand them over when our young friend arrives."